Date: 202109
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: OGG.Airport, HI
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Taxi
ATC / advisory: Ground OGG
Second aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Confusion; Situational Awareness; Distraction; Communication Breakdown
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Ground Incursion Ramp
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Taxi
Result: Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Contributing factors: Procedure; Human Factors
Primary problem: Procedure

Narrative: After holding for gate XX at the west cargo pad (PHOG) for 20 minutes we were cleared to taxi via Runway 02 and exit Taxiway Foxtrot due to excessive airport congestion. Once clear and on Taxiway Alpha we [were] cleared by Ground to gate XX. Once abeam the gate I proceeded across the ramp to the gate. Aircraft Y in line in front of us abruptly departed Taxiway A adjacent to gate XY and cut us off to circumvent waiting in line without warning. I was forced to abruptly apply braking to stop. OGG Tower categorizes the ramp area as a non-movement area and advise departing aircraft to push 'at their own risk'. This terminology is not used at any other airport in the US that I am aware of other than Maui and Lihue. I desired to address the issue immediately but there were so many aircraft on the frequency that the Ground Controller was overwhelmed. In fact when he initially cleared us out of the south cargo pad he actually thought we were at the north hold area over 1 mile from our location. I called the Tower Supervisor and expressed my dismay and concern over their lack of control on the tarmac.With the advent of Company serving Maui; ramp congestion at OGG has significantly increased. There were at least 30 airliners including wide bodies at gates and actively taxiing. To designate over 1/3 of the surface area of the airport as 'uncontrolled' is unwarranted; absurd and dangerous . The Tower Supervisor said the early afternoon is extremely busy. It was further aggravated by a bird strike on the runway. They use this unique 'own risk' terminology but yet it is a requirement to call for push and taxi. Is it controlled or not? They were totally unaware of Aircraft Y's departure from Taxiway Alpha to cut across the ramp without warning. It's a free for all at this place.   After speaking to the Tower Supervisor I suggested that the idea of this 'own risk laissez faire' attitude of ramp control has outlived its usefulness.The size of the pavement and the amount of aircraft are creating a hazardous operating environment. I would suggest additional training in the Tower and [they] should be more clear about what is expected from pilots operating there. Their rules seem to be contradictory. There is no mention of the proceed at your own risk policy on the [Jeppesen] 10-9 page or anywhere else including company pages. The FAA should look closely into the specific ground ops procedures in place at OGG. The Local Controller should have positive control over all of there between the gates and Taxiway Alpha which runs parallel.




Synopsis: Air Carrier Captain reported an unsafe ground event resulting from unclear procedures at OGG airport.