Ask The Mayor: Better Signage Requested to Notify Motorists of Delays

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Q: Why isn’t there a Variable Message Sign on Honoapiʻilani Highway in the Lahaina direction? This would serve to alert drivers of accidents and/or construction, thereby reducing the number of people piled up on the Pali every time an accident occurs or construction is underway. It could also be utilized to give drive-time estimates to various West side locations. The one that is located East of North Kīhei Road could just be relocated and updated.

A: Mahalo for this suggestion and I have some very promising news.

Before I do that, however, I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family of the victim from last week’s fatal traffic accident. This is our ninth traffic death already this year, and every single one of them breaks my heart. I urge everyone to please be alert and drive safely.

My staff contacted officials at the state Department of Transportation with your question and I’m happy to report that they are looking at several options to provide information to the public about travel times, road closures, delays, accidents, etc. By the end of the year, the department plans to have real travel times between various points on Maui and live camera feeds at select intersections on the Go Akamai website that Oʻahu residents use.

Other items the department is looking at include fixed variable message signs on Honoapiʻilani Highway, as you suggested. There is an existing sign located just past Kūihelani Highway and before North Kīhei Road that is not working properly, but the department hopes to repair it and change the messaging.

The department also is looking at temporary variable message signs that would provide travel times through construction sites as well as looking at a phone app that could provide additional information to the public.

For more information, please call the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Maui District Office at (808) 873-3538.

Want to Ask The Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at [email protected], by phone at (808) 270-7855 or via mail to 200 S. High Street, ninth floor, Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.