Relocation of the Lahaina Bypass Southern Terminus Proposed

Shoreline erosion conditions in project vicinity. Photo courtesy Munekiyo & Hiraga, State of Hawai'i, and DEA document.

By Wendy Osher

A 30-day public comment period has started on the proposed relocation of the Lahaina Bypass southern terminus.

Plans call for the proposed relocation of the terminus from the current end point at Launiupoko, to the vicinity of the former Olowalu Landfill, further south.

The roadway’s alignment will still intersect with Kai Hele Ku Street in Puamana, but the location of the intersection will be shifted mauka or inland under the proposed plan.

Transportation officials say there will be no additional intersections created as a result of the proposed terminus relocation.

According to a Draft Environmental Assessment, the proposed action was initiated in response to a number of regional and local conditions affecting long-term transportation and land use planning in the region.

This includes coastal erosion along shoreline areas in vicinity of the project corridor.  In the Launiupoko area, the DEA states that the average beach width decreased by about 34% between 1949 and 1997.  Further damage or loss, it states, could potentially lead to delays and traffic congestion.

In addition, there is also projected to be additional traffic generated by recent planned developments in the area that were proposed since the acceptance of the Final Supplemental EIS.

Comments are due by June 7.

Comments should be sent to:

• The Proposing Agency: State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Transportation, 869 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813;
• The Consultant: Munekiyo & Hiraga, Inc., 305 High Street, Suite 104, Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793;
• And OEQC: 235 South Beretania Street, Suite 702 · Honolulu, HI 96813.

Lahaina Bypass southern terminus relocation map and limits of prposed action. Image courtesy Munekiyo & Hiraga Inc., State of Hawai'i, and DEA document. Click image to view in greater detail.