Ask the Mayor: Status of Kīhei’s North South Collector Road

Kihei roundabout construction. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The mayor answers questions from the public in this series.

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

Q: I live in Piʻilani Village II in Kīhei, and my house backs up to what is supposed to be the continuation of Līloa Street north of Waipuʻilani known as the “collector” road. Every now and again the State, or perhaps it’s the County, sends some heavy earth-moving vehicles behind my house to do I’m-not-sure-what.

Over the years, I have heard rumors that A) the space available between the opposing housing subdivisions is too narrow to accommodate a two-lane thoroughfare and still have room for a shoulder and sidewalks, or B) the wide gorge just to the north that carries run-off to the ocean would require a bridge that would involve engineering and Federal monies to proceed.

When Joe Bertram was our State Representative, he promised a greenway walking and bike path—similar to that created on both sides of our roundabout except without the cars—but unfortunately he could not count that as one of his many accomplishments. Can you clarify exactly what the current State and County plans are for the development of that land and what, if any, time frame one could expect?

A: According to our Public Works director, the North South Collector Road is still projected to be built in those sections where we have the right-of-way, like the Waipuʻilani to Kaʻonoʻulu Road section. As you point out, bridges will be needed, which will be very expensive, so we will need to rely on Federal Highway funding to supplement the construction cost.

The right-of-way in this area, at 60′ wide, is enough to do a two-lane road with supporting bike and pedestrian facilities. As part of the Federal planning process, we have positioned this portion of road in the Federal fiscal year 2019 budget, which would provide enough time to complete necessary studies, permitting and design.

Other sections of the NSCR could then follow suit. The section from Ke Aliʻi Alanui to Keonekai Road was a requirement of various project approvals, so I am pleased to report that we were able to to begin construction after working with the developer to overcome numerous land acquisition and permitting challenges.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email: AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, phone: 270-7855 or mail: 200 S. High Street, 9th Floor, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.