Agreement being Finalized for Expanded Hours of Paia Mini-Bypass

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp9JLhVdtIg /] The County of Maui is in discussions with A&B to expand the operating hours of the Paia Mini-Bypass route.  That’s one of the items that surfaced during discussion at the County on Your Corner event held at the Pukalani Superette over the weekend.

Council Member Mike White of Makawao, said the county will lease the space and maintain the bypass. He also indicated the preliminary discussions call for 24-7 hours of operation. 

County Managing Director Keith Regan, meantime, said finishing touches are still being made to the agreement between A&B and the County of Maui.  He said that A&B today requested additional time to finalize the licensing document.  While White anticipated an agreement as early as this week, Regan said it could take longer, but noted that the county is working to try to get it open for expanded hours soon. 

Council Member Mike White, photo by Wendy Osher.

The expanded access to the mini-bypass is expected to improve safety, alleviate traffic congestion and provide convenience for motorists traveling through Paia Town.

“There was an issue, especially with visitors not knowing what that lane was for; so, they’d get into the lane to go up the bypass, and then end up blocking it because they had to get back into the line,” said White, who noted that the signage would be updated and upgraded.

There was also some discussion about potential expansion of parking at the existing county lot near the bypass.  It is unclear if the additional land for the expansion would be included in the final agreement. 

The state Department of Transportation, meantime, continues to discuss a more permanent solution for a bypass route. The item was included in the state’s Highways Modernization Plan, with a projected cost of $3.12 million.  Public scoping meetings were held last year to discuss possible routes and alternatives for traffic relief in Paia.