Water bills for Molokai residents have nearly tripled since the beginning of the month and they're asking the state to do something about it.

A few dozen Molokai residents flew in to Honolulu to make a point, that the recent water rate hikes are unaffordable and unjustified.

"For my family alone, 10-thousand dollars in the economically hard time Molokai."

And among the many officials they wanted to talk to is someone in the governor's office.

"We're already being victimized is our message," said Walter Ritte.

"Okay I appreciate you taking the time to do this," said Barry Fukunaga.

The state Public Utilities Commission approved an increase of up to 178 percent for water being provided by Molokai Properties, which also owns Molokai Ranch. This was after the ranch had threatened to shut off water service because the company said it couldn't afford to do it anymore.

"These state agencies need to declare the process null and void and we need to have a fair hearing for the island of Molokai," said Ritte.

Molokai Ranch stopped commercial operations in April which also laid off 120 workers. The company says it couldn't sustain the business without the approval of a proposed luxury housing development at Laau Point. So without the housing development, many are unemployed and are forced to pay skyrocketing water bills. Some state legislators are crying foul.

"It really is about a profiteer on an island that wishes to do what the island is not suited to do," said Kaneohe Senator Clayton Hee.

"The people of Molokai cannot afford to pay such inflated rate increases as a means to subsidize mismanaged utilities. This is injustice," said Moloka Representative Mele Carrol.

The governor's chief of staff says the state is looking at different ways to continue water service and still make it affordable.

"There's been mention of the state or the county and even the ranch continuing or another provider," said Barry Fukunaga.

The rate hikes are in effect for the next six months.