Maui Takes a Test Drive in Roundabout Education

By Wendy Osher

Roundabout rendering. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Motorists and residents will have an opportunity to learn how to use the new Lipoa Street roundabout in Kihei at a demonstration to be hosted by the county this weekend.

The demonstration runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, at the Pi’ilani Village Shopping Center in Kihei.

The County of Maui will use a rendering and a demonstration video in an effort to educate motorists on proper use, prior to the roundabout becoming operational at the end of March.

The roundabout is a traffic alternative to a four-way stop and broke ground on August 1, 2011.

Children and parents who can demonstrate their understanding of proper roundabout use will receive a free Hot Wheels toy car, limited to the first 300 participants.

Blessing ceremonies were held for the Kihei roundabout in July 2011. The project is designed to ease traffic in South Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The roundabout demonstration booth will be located at the Food Court area, near the Santa Claus picture booth.

The demonstration is part of the Christmas at Pi’ilani Village Shopping Center event featuring live music from Ekolu and Manali`i, Christmas tree giveaways, and a Food Bank donation drive.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will also be there as part of his County on Your Corner initiative. He will be joined by members of his administration and South Maui Councilman Don Couch.