As Kaua‘i trail receives honor, Maui advocates urge action for delayed West Maui Greenway

On Aug. 8, 2024, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) inducted Ke Ala Hele Makālae into its Hall of Fame, naming it one of the nation’s best.

Ke Ala Hele Makālae, which translates to “The Path that Goes by Coast,” stretches eight miles of Kaua‘i coast and is used for walking, jogging and bike riding. It is the newest member of the organization’s prestigious Hall of Fame, which recognizes the trail’s contributions to community health, recreation and connectivity.

Despite its long history and benefits, an akin Maui project, the West Maui Greenway (WMG), remains stalled due to funding and implementation delays, according to a recent press release issued by the Maui Bicycling League (MBL).

“For over 50 years, the WMG has been a visionary plan aiming to provide vital transportation and emergency evacuation routes across West Maui,” the nonprofit group said. “The recent challenges faced by our community, including the devastating Lahaina fire, underscore the urgent need for reliable evacuation routes and infrastructure improvements.”

MBL referred to the recognition of Ke Ala Hele Makālae as “a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through community effort and collaboration.”

Maui Bicycling League is a sub-chapter of the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League (HBL) and dedicates itself to promoting a bicycle-friendly Maui. The nonprofit seeks to address issues in traffic safety, such as Hawaiʻi’s 17% increase in traffic fatalities from July 2023, and climate goals.

The nonprofit also highlighted a recent landmark climate case championed by a group of children and young activists. The court ruling mandates that pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks be completed within five years to curb emissions from the transport sector.

“The WMG not only promises to enhance transportation safety but also aligns with the recent climate mandates, making it a vital component of our community’s future resilience,” stated WMG. “Now more than ever, we need to prioritize this project and bring it to fruition.”