Maui traffic fixes sought
By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor
WAILUKU, Maui — When an auto wreck or brush fire closes Honoapi'ilani Highway — the main link between Lahaina and the rest of Maui — much of the island comes to a standstill. Parents can't pick up their kids from school, workers can't reach their jobs and tourists miss their flights home.
The most recent closure of the two-lane highway occurred Aug. 13 as the result of a three-car collision at Ukumehame that killed a 52-year-old California woman. The road was closed for 2 1/2 hours, and the residual traffic jam continued for several more.
Earlier this year, the Maui Police Department created a Highway Incident Traffic team to improve traffic flow during road closures, but officials say more action is needed.
Myles Inokuma, an executive assistant to Mayor James "Kimo" Apana, said one major concern is getting the word out to the public about road closures so motorists can avoid getting stuck in gridlock.
The Pacific Radio Group has agreed to run notices on a frequent basis on channels AM-55 and KPOA FM 93.5, Inokuma said. By next month, the county hopes to have set up a telephone hot line with a recorded message providing information on road closures.
Portable traffic advisory signs will be used to inform motorists of road conditions and to tune in to the radio for more information.
Officials also will be investigating the possibility of making arrangements with tour boat operators to ferry airport-bound tourists from Lahaina Harbor to either Ma'alaea or Kahului harbors, where they can get a taxi or shuttle.
County officials will meet this week with residents of remote Kahakuloa to figure out how to lessen the effects of the highway closings on the small village. When Honoapi'ilani Highway is closed, the only outlet is in the opposite direction on a rugged road that travels through Kahakuloa and around the northwestern end of the island.
Inokuma said the Maui Fire Department has agreed to use its helicopter to ferry police officers to Kahakuloa for traffic control.
