Ask the Mayor: How Can We Improve Driver Safety on Kula Highway?

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his staff.

Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa at [email protected], 270-7855 or mail them to 200 S. High Street, 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Aloha Mayor,

Kula Hwy traffic accident 12/3/15. Photo credit: Charles Hirata.

Q: I work at the corner of Kula Highway and Omaopio Road (at Waipuna Chapel).

That intersection has grown to be immensely dangerous due to the increased traffic flow on Kula Highway over the years; I have personally witnessed over a dozen accidents there in the last three years.

I don’t think a traffic light is warranted but what about a flashing warning light in conjunction with a reduced speed zone for that intersection?

A: That could certainly be a good consideration for the State of Hawai‘i Dept. of Transportation, which I’m told is currently gathering a detailed accident history from the Maui Police Department for this intersection.

Kula Highway is under the State DOT jurisdiction, so any improvements to this intersection would be done by the State.

That being said, our Public Works Department has been working with State DOT to find traffic safety improvements for this intersection. My staff has forwarded your concern and suggestion to the State DOT.