193-Mile Ka’apuni Torch Lit Walk Nears Completion at Moku’ula

KA’APUNI ROAD ADVISORY

Motorists traveling on the Honoapiilani Highway today are advised to use extra caution as marchers in a week-long journey around the island make their way toward their final destination in West Maui. About 100 people participated in overnight leg of the journey that traversed the pali section of the highway.The marchers plan to reach Moku’ula in Lahaina (near 505 Front Street) at around 4 p.m.Motorists should adjust their travel times accordingly and drive with extra caution as some portions of the road have little or no shoulder.Areas that may be affected by increased traffic this afternoon as the procession nears their destination include the following intersections:

• Prison & Front Street;
• Shaw & Wainee Street;
• Honoapiilani Highway & Aholo Street;
• and the south entrance of Front Street at the Honoapiilani Highway.

The 193-mile Ka’apuni trek was organized to encourage unity and heighten awareness of Native Hawaiian issues.

KA’APUNI UPDATE: FRIDAY 2/27/09 ON THE ROAD REPORTS

• 8:30 a.m.: Our news crew is headed to cover the rest of the Ka’apuni procession on the ground so that we can bring you pictures and coverage of the closing ceremonies set to get underway at around 5:30 p.m. at Moku’ula. The marchers are expected to arrive at around 4 p.m. on the West side. Keep it tuned to our sister radio station 93.5 FM for further updates this afternoon.
• 8:28 a.m.: The Ka’apuni crew remains on a rest break at the base of the pali. In addition to being a re-fueling break, it is primarily a quiet-time rest break as the crew has been on the road since 10 o’clock last night.

posted by WENDY February 27, 2009 1:29 PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009 KA’APUNI UPDATES: FRIDAY 7:35 A.M. 2/27/09

FRIDAY 2/27/09

• 7:35 a: The Ka’apuni marchers are currently on a much needed rest stop after traversing north Kihei, Ma’alaea and the pali overnight. The procession is expected to get police assistance in crossing to the makai side of the road and continuing their walk west towards Moku’ula at some point today. Motorists are advised to be extra cautious when passing or approaching the procession as some areas of the road do not have a shoulder. Plans are to arrive in Moku’ula (near 505 Front Street) at around 4 p.m. Event organizers remind those joining or already participating in the march, to take the proper safety precautions when parking vehicles, getting dropped off or picked up, and walking along the route. Unlike the nighttime leg, which was cold and windy, the day time walk will likely be warm. Participants should have water, proper clothing and footwear, and clothing with high visibility.
• 4:25 a: (The Ka’apuni marchers are out of cell range, but we have been informed that they have reached the Lahaina side of the pali and are at the Kings Trail location at the bottom of the Pali section of road near the mauka (mountain side) parking lot of the Highway.) Motorists traveling on the Honoapiilani Highway today are advised to use extra caution this afternoon as marchers in a week-long journey around the island make their way toward their final destination West Maui. About 100 people participated in the latest leg of the journey that traversed the pali section of the highway overnight. According to our latest report, the Ka’apuni procession had reached the bottom of the pali at 4:30 a.m. and were seen near the Mauka parking lot near the outlet to the King’s Trail. The 193-mile Ka’apuni trek was organized to encourage unity and heighten awareness of Native Hawaiian issues including ceded land claims. The group is expected to reach Moku’ula at around 4 p.m.
• 2:24 a: The Ka’apuni procession is now at the pali tunnel.
• 1:43 a: Now at the scenic lookout approaching tunnel.
• 12:45a: Motorists traveling in the Pali section of the Honoapiilani Highway at this hour are advised to use extra caution. The Ka’apuni Procession that has been marching since last week is on the final leg of its journey with about 100 people walking in the torch lit procession at this time. Motorists are asked to slow for when passing and approaching the procession and to use extreme caution for the safety of those on the road and on foot. Once the procession gets to the tunnel area, there will be a significant delay in travel to allow the marchers to pass through safely. Again the procession is making its way through the pali section of the Honoapiilani highway over the next hour or so. They were last reported on the Wailuku side of the tunnel at 12:45 a.m. headed west towards Ukumehame.
• 12:03a: passing thru Maalaea, coming up on coast guard station, about 80-100 marchers in current leg.

THURSDAY 2/26/09

• 11:35 p, walking towards Maalaea on beach;
• 10 p.m. leaving Kihei, expected to pass through Maalaea & Pali tonight. Will spend night at undetermined location in West Maui.
• 8:22 p: strong winds continue, still at Kihei Youth Center.

*(Information updates provided by Mahina MARTIN, Posted by Wendy OSHER) (Photos contained in this post are the property of the Ka’apuni and can not be used without the prior written consent of the Pacific Radio Group/KPOA/mauiNOW.com News Department)