Ask the Mayor: Why Does Pukalani Only Have One Bus Stop?

Maui Bus, photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answer:s some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Aloha Mayor:

Q: Why does Pukalani only have one county bus stop? We are a community of over 7,500 residents, some of whom have to walk approximately two miles to reach the nearest county bus stop. School buses and small MEO buses have no problem driving further into Pukalani. Our county bus should be able to do the same.

A: Our County Department of Transportation is currently working with a consultant to update the County of Maui Short Range Transit Plan, which includes looking at routes and our bus stops in the Pukalani area. Once the plan update is readied, which should be in December or earlier, regional meetings will be held to give the public a report of their findings as well as to seek comments on any proposed changes.

Because the addition of new bus stops in the Pukalani area has been a rather controversial topic, with a portion of the community stating they don’t want any bus stops located near their homes, it is important to work together to find safe solutions that take into consideration the needs of bus riders, neighbors and motorists.

The Department of Transportation has already added a pedestrian crossing light in Pukalani to make the area safer for the community and will be looking at other options during the update of the transit plan.

Please contact the MDOT at 270-7511 if you have further questions.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.