Lahaina Bypass Relocation Project Focus of Meeting

Olowalu recycling center, just makai of the Olowalu Landfill. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The proposed Lahaina Bypass Southern Terminus Relocation Project will be the subject of an upcoming public informational meeting.

Officials with the state Department of Transportation will brief the community on findings contained in a draft environmental assessment of the project.

The meeting will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at the West Maui Senior Center.

The project calls for the relocation of the Lahaina Bypass southern terminus 4,800 lineal feet from its current point at Launiupoko, to the vicinity of the former Olowalu Landfill.

DOT officials say the length of the new right-of-way corridor will be approximately 10,300 lineal feet.

Due to erosion on along Honoapiilani Highway and a projected increase in traffic congestion, the DEA finds that shifting the terminus further south will aid in alleviating these conditions.

The comment period for the DEA has been extended to June 22, 2012. Comments can been submitted to:

• Hawaii Department of Transportation, 869 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813, Attention: Darell Young;
• Munekiyo & Hiraga Inc., 305 High St., Suite 104, Wailuku, HI 96793, Attention: Mark Alexander Roy; and
• Office of Environmental Quality Control, 235 South Beretania St., Suite 702, Honolulu, HI 96813.