Hansen Road to Reopen on Nov. 7 After Lengthy Closure

The Puunene Sugar Mill seen from Hansen Road Photo by Wendy Osher.

The County of Maui Department of Public Works invites the public to take part in a bike ride or run along Hansen Road prior to its reopening to motor vehicle traffic on Nov. 7, 2015.

Hansen Road has been closed since the reconstruction project began in March of this year for road improvements and the addition of a bike lane on both sides of the road.

Participants are asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 and meet next to the HC&S administrative offices along Hansen Road.  The ride will begin at 9 a.m. after a bike safety briefing by members of the Maui Police Department’s Kīhei Bicycle Patrol. The event will conclude at 10:45 a.m. in order to prepare the road to be officially reopened to traffic later that afternoon.

Some parking will be available at the HC&S administrative offices parking lot, and at the Kahului Target parking lot, provided vehicles are parked in the spaces farthest from the store. Participants parking at the Target parking lot can use the bike path on Mokulele Highway to get to Hansen Road.

Bicyclists will ride from Puʻunēnē Avenue to Hāna Highway and back.  Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no cost to participate; however, all riders are required to wear a helmet.

Runners are also invited to participate, and are asked to keep in mind that the distance on Hansen Road between Puʻunēnē Avenue and Hāna Highway is two miles each way. Riders/runners need to be off the road by 10:45 a.m.

Children and adults are welcome to wear a post-Halloween costume during the event, as long as the costume does not interfere with vision, the wearing of bicycle helmets or bicycle operation.

“This will be a great way to see the improvements on Hansen Road, our new bridge at Kalialinui Gulch, and the views of the mill and the Central Valley on your bike or in your running shoes – with no cars,” said Public Works Director David Goode in a County announcement. “I look forward to seeing many folks out there.”