Draft environmental assessment released for ʻAlelele rockfall netting project in Kīpahulu

Public comments are due Oct. 23 on a draft environmental assessment on a project to replace deteriorated rockfall netting along the ʻAlelele slope on Hāna Highway in Kīpahulu.

The Maui County Department of Public Works is proposing to install a stainless-steel coated double-twisted mesh drape system over approximately 320,000 square feet of the ʻAlelele cliff face. The new system would replace existing netting that has severely corroded from salt spray and is no longer considered effective at protecting the roadway.

The steep ʻAlelele slope is prone to rockfalls from the natural weathering and erosion of volcanic rock, posing a safety risk to drivers and occasionally forcing temporary closures of the highway. In May 2023, a rockfall occurred beyond the reach of the existing netting, underscoring the need for expanded coverage.

East Maui Council Member Shane Sinenci expressed support for the rockfall prevention project for the highway he called a “lifeline” for residents.

“Pi’ilani Highway is a critical secondary access when the ‘front side,’ state highway closes, especially as it relates to emergency services,” he said in email to Maui Now. “Rockfalls are a serious danger, as we have had fatalities in the past as well as serious periodic road closures.”

“This road is a lifeline for residents to travel to work, shopping, doctor appointments and school,” Sinenci said. “Opening the road for local travel and resident access in the mornings, afternoon and evening will be of high importance during the [construction phase of the] project.”

The project would need state approval because it involves the use of county funds, falls within a conservation district, and is located in a shoreline area, triggering environmental review under Hawaiʻi law.

AECOM is the consultant preparing the environmental assessment on the county’s behalf. The statutory 30-day public review and comment period is underway.

The draft EA can be reviewed at: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2026-09-23-MA-DEA-Rockfall-Netting-at-Alelele-Kipahulu.pdf

Comments may be sent to AECOM’s Courtney Hymes at Courtney.Cacace@aecom.com. Questions about the project can be directed to Maui County Department of Public Works project manager John Datiles at 808-270-7436 or JohnEdward.Datiles@co.maui.hi.us.