$3.99M Released for Hāna and Haleakalā Highway Improvements

Landslide, Hāna Highway, May 2, 2014. File photo courtesy Kaliko Sanchez.

By Wendy Osher

An estimated $3.99 million was released today for slope stabilization work on the Hāna Highway, and intersection upgrades on the Haleakalā Highway on Maui, Governor Neil Abercrombie announced.

The funds include $2.34 million for Phase 2A of an improvement project on the Hāna Highway that extends from Huelo to Hāna in East Maui.

According to an announcement issued today by the governor’s office, the funds will enable additional design and construction for slope stabilization of the roadway embankment at mile 13, permits, archaeological reports, mitigation documentation, and public informational meetings.

State officials say the project includes improvements and restoration work along the 32-mile stretch of road, which serves as the main link between Central and East Maui.

Senator J. Kalani English, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs said, “In the aftermath of hurricanes Iselle and Julio, we welcome ongoing efforts to ensure that Hāna Highway remains viable. We know all too well the kind of destruction nature can have on our islands and infrastructure, and as a lifeline to the Hāna and Keʻanae communities, restoring and improving the ‘road to Hāna’ is an investment in security and safety.”

The other Maui project included in the funding release was a $1.65 million appropriation for improvements at the Haleakalā and Kula Highway intersection.

“At the intersection of Kula and Haleakalā Highway, a right turn lane will be installed to ease traffic but more importantly create a more smooth and seamless commute for drivers. These much-needed improvements will help to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors as they traverse these widely-used roads,” said Senator English.

State officials say the the installation of a right turn lane at the intersection and upgraded signal system will reduce traffic.

The funds are part of a larger $15.5 million release for various capital improvement project for transportation projects on highways and facilities across the state.

“These funds, which were identified by my colleagues and I in the Legislature, will improve aspects within the DOT statewide including highway upgrades, pedestrian safety and bike lanes,” said English.  “As a Senator from Maui, I am particularly pleased that visitors and residents will see improvements to Hāna Highway and Haleakalā Highway, especially as we weather this hurricane season.”

Upon announcing the funding release today, Governor Neil Abercrombie said, “These funds will allow priority repair and maintenance projects to move forward, improve safety along our state highways, and in the process give a boost to our economy through job growth in construction.”

The governor’s announcement also included the release of funds for other transportation projects across the state including: $3.8 million for slope stabilization at Kuamoʻo Road in the vicinity of Wailua State Park on Kauaʻi; $2.34 million for miscellaneous best management practices projects on Oʻahu; $2 million for slope and erosion control at various sites on Oʻahu; $410,000 for pedestrian countdown timers on Oʻahu; $400,000 for improvements at Waimea Canyon Drive and Memehune Road/Halepule Road intersections on the Kaumualiʻi Highway on Kauaʻi; $335,000 for traffic operational improvements near Lumiʻaina Street on the Kamehameha Highway on Oʻahu; $250,000 for wastewater systems at the Waimea Baseyard on Hawaiʻi Island; $160,000 for the rehabilitation of the Waipilopilo Stream Bridge on the Kamehameha Highway on Oʻahu; $157,000 for the Commercial Driver’s License and Motorcycle License testing facility on Oʻahu; $47,000 for intersection improvements at Kawaihae Road on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway on Hawaiʻi Island; $45,000 for improvements to the Kanaianaʻole Highway from Hawaiʻi Kai Drive to Keahole Street on Oʻahu; and $5,000 for bike improvements on the Nimitz Highway from Puʻuhale Road to Waikamilo Road on Oʻahu.