Posted on: Wednesday, April 25, 2001

Maui panel recommends $1.5-million plan to ease traffic

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — A committee appointed by Maui Mayor James "Kimo'' Apana is recommending that the county spend more than $1.5 million on short-term solutions to the island's traffic congestion.

The Mayor's Transportation Action Committee also wants the county appoint someone to be responsible for coordinating traffic-related measures and establish traffic-impact fees for developments.

Maui County had the highest rate of growth in the number of registered vehicles and licensed drivers in the state during the past decade, placing a heavy burden on a highway system that has seen few major upgrades.

The 25-member committee, created in January, held four public meetings around the island. More than 500 people attended in Kihei, where traffic congestion is considered worst.

The panel yesterday unveiled its recommendations, which include spending $1 million for the restriping and construction necessary to expand Kihei's Pi'ilani Highway from two lanes to four. The state already has agreed to pay the balance of the $4 million project.

The committee also suggested spending $250,000 on "smart-growth'' studies that would ensure new roads and other essential infrastructure are built at the same time as new developments.

Other near-term recommendations include synchronizing traffic lights and providing portable message board signs alerting motorists to congestion problems.

Mid- and long-term recommendations include building a road to link north and south Kihei, widening Haleakala Highway from three to four lanes, constructing a Kihei-to-Upcountry highway and creating highways to bypass Lahaina and Pa'ia.

The committee rejected a moratorium on development because it would not provide relief to the traffic situation.