Hāna Greenway Plan calls for community input at meeting

The Hāna Greenway project is now accepting comments for a conceptual plan and invites the community to a meeting on Monday, July 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Hāna Tropical’s The Oasis at 4228 Hāna Highway, the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization announced.

The Hāna Greenway Plan envisions a 5.5-mile multimodal greenway linking important resources and services like Hāna Elementary and High School, Hāna Health, and the farmers’ market, allowing both residents and visitors to safely walk, bike, or roll through their community. Currently, Hāna Highway is the only road connecting the daily services and destinations of its residents and visitors. This two-lane road is winding, narrow, and the speeds of cars on the highway frequently surpass the 25-mph limit. 

The greenway aims to increase connectivity, accessibility, and safety by designating dedicated walkways and trails for pedestrians separate from the highway.

This next phase of the project comes after Maui MPO has collaborated with Hāna Ranch and Hāna Business Council to secure $100,000 to prepare the Hāna Greenway Plan. Public input is crucial to acquire more funding for the design and construction of the greenway. The project started May, 2024 and will continue through May, 2025. 

“Many Hāna residents have longed for this dream project and we are excited that we finally have momentum to get it going,” said Pam Eaton, executive director of Maui MPO. “This won’t be possible without the dedicated advocates and community leaders of East Maui, and we invite everyone’s support by providing input at the scheduled meeting, or online.”

Maui MPO is working with consultant team PBR Hawaii to hear community desires for the greenway, solicit feedback on design ideas, and create a plan that is compatible with the character of Hāna.

The July 22 meeting will be the first of a series of online and in-person opportunities to stay connected as the plan progresses. The public can learn more, sign-up for email alerts and provide input at mauimpo.org. Email getinvolved@mauimpo.org for inquiries.