It seems that the 3 ft. gauge Lahaina, Kaanapali and Pacific Railroad of Lahaina Hawaii, also known as the Sugar Cane Train, is shutting down permanently. As per an online petition formed by the railroad, "After five years of discussions and negotiations, we have still not been able to reach a deal with the mainland company that owns most of the land under the Sugar Cane Train". The railroad shut down in 2014, but was purchased by a local in hopes of reviving the line. Both steam locomotives, 1943 H.K. Porters, are for sale on Ozark Mountain Railcar.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/133/066/764/tell-maui-county-that-you-want-to-keep-the-sugar-cane-train-in-lahaina/

https://ozarkmountainrailcar.com/railEquipmentGrid.php?category=Locomotives

Disclaimer: I am not associated with the sale of any equipment. I am just passing on information.

It's my understanding, from people who have worked there very recently, that the RR is NOT shutting down. The RR does have three steam engines and a Plymouth locomotive, so the sale of two of them does not automatically mean that the RR is no more.

They really only have two operable steam locomotives. The third you refer to is the displayed tank engine. I am honestly shocked that they put the Anaka up for sale as they just go it fixed up recently. It is really sad to see this operation slowly die, as I have fond memories of riding the train when I was toddler.

These would be a nice fit for Kirby Family Farm...(the future AOSR of amusement park and similar locomotives).

Well... this is going to make my goal of riding a steam train in all 50 states a bit more difficult!
It is sad they could not work something out.

Not really- There is the Hawaiian RR on Oahu and the Kilohana plantation on Kauai. I also plan to ride "Rusty" on the big island at their RR museum

I don't see steam at either of those operations but good to know about them. Riding a train in all 50 states will be a good plan b!

I agree. There are several other states besides Hawaii that do not have a steam engine currently in operation as far as I know. Rhode Island, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Maryland come to mind to name a few.

We're going to start this off by saying the railroad is NOT closing.

One of the two owners decided to test the waters with putting both engines up for sale. Unfortunately, the land lease is an ongoing battle and will be until one of us or the owners says otherwise.

The owner in question contacted Ozark with intentions of putting the engines up to see if anyone would have an interest in leasing, or eventually purchasing the engines. Despite warnings from multiple individuals both involved with the railroad and otherwise, he set the price at $275,000. I trust everyone here shares a similar opinion when we say that's a bit high, considering it would cost well over $50,000 to ship the engines off Maui, let alone get them to their mainland destination.

This is not the end of the railroad. There are still full time employees on site actively working on track and engine repairs. There are still individuals such as myself and a couple other members of RYPN "on-call with notice" should something be needed, including resuming full operations or major repair projects.

So no, the railroad is not closing. This is nothing more than the owner seeing if there's a market for the engines should the worst happen.

Thank you.

- Christian B.

LK&P is the last Hawaiian steam railroad until Oahu 1472's one of their engines. The plantation steam engine was OOS last time we heard.

I'm glad to hear this and hope you're right.
But obviously, you can see why people would draw the conclusion that they are calling it quits based on what we're hearing elsewhere...

Yes and I've been trying to help ease the tention across Facebook as people slowly start sharing the listings. Unless it comes from myself, one of the fulltimers, or the owners, it isn't over yet.

- Christian B.

I’m not trying to be critical, but there are better ways to find out if the locomotives are possibly salable and/or their value without listing them for sale through a broker under contract. Boy, does that send the wrong message to the both public and potential interested buyers. Unless they really are seriously for sale....

Or did I miss something?

You're absolutely right. Everyone agrees.

Best kept secret in steam restoration history

Both Baldwins WAINIHA and KAIPU have current boiler certificates however they are at the Puhi shops and the public is not allowed access. The mill trackage lacks the shop facilities to secure the big locos. Paulo is down for running gear work.

Lots of UTube videos online.