A blessing ceremony was held Friday before Maui County started work on the $5.6 million fourth and final phase of the emergency rockfall hazard mitigation project which will reconnect the communities of Kaupo and Kipahulu via the historic Pi'ilani Highway when completed in October.

Kupuna from both communities participated in the ceremony, performed by Kahu Charles Maxwell, who was assisted by Gina Naluai.

Janod Contractors has been hired to remove unstable sections of the cliff face damaged by the October 2006 earthquake.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares praised affected residents for their patience.

"Given the immeasurable cultural and historic value of the place and the constraints of working with other government agencies, we have been moving forward as rapidly and sensitively as possible," Tavares said in a written statement.

Tavares added, "I'm grateful for the work our county team has put into each phase of this very large project and more importantly for the patience the residents have had during this difficult time. We are all looking forward to the completion of this final phase."