Safety Concerns Result in Luakini Traffic Flow Change

By Wendy Osher

Maui bus on Luakini Street prior to the traffic flow change. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Traffic flow on Luakini Street in Lahaina will be changed to address safety issues involving passengers of the Maui Bus.

Effective at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011, traffic will flow from north to south (in the Ka`anapali to Olowalu direction).  That is opposite from the traffic pattern currently in place.

The change only affects traffic on Luakini Street between Prison and Dickenson Streets.

The proposal to switch the traffic pattern was put forth by the Department of Transportation earlier this year.

Members of the Maui County Council’s Infrastructure Management Committee conducted a site inspection of the area in July to take a closer look at the surrounding area, and potential impacts.

Bus yard. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Right now bus passengers get off on the right hand side of the bus, disembarking into the line of traffic. By switching the traffic flow, passengers will be able to get off the bus into a protected area along the Wharf Cinema Center.

“The change makes complete sense,” said Elle Cochran, Chair of the Infrastructure Management Committee. “People will no longer be let off in the line of traffic and cars will not have to dodge people. It will definitely be more pleasant for the people that commute on that road,” said Cochran.

County officials say the change will also result in the rearrangement of some parking spaces in the area to accommodate tight turning distances.

In addition to traffic signage reflecting the change on December 19th, Maui police will be on hand to provide a smooth transition for the community.