Hawaii House Bill HR151

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Provide An Update On The Status Of The Lahaina Bypass North Extension.

Impact

The resolution indicates that extending the Lahaina Bypass is necessary to alleviate increasing traffic congestion into and out of Lahaina, especially with ongoing developments such as the West Maui Hospital and several new housing units. As these projects are established, the resolution emphasizes that traffic conditions will worsen without the extension. Addressing this congestion is presented as a critical need for the safety and convenience of the residents, particularly in light of the heavy traffic already affecting Keawe Street.

Summary

House Resolution 151 requests the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide an update on the status of the Lahaina Bypass North extension project. The resolution highlights the urgency of this project, noting that the original plan for extending the highway to Kaanapali has been significantly delayed, having been removed from the DOT's priority list in 2022. The current termination of the Lahaina Bypass at Keawe Street has led to hazardous traffic conditions, particularly given the residential nature of the area and nearby commercial activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the project's previous delays and the lack of clear communication on why it was deprioritized. The resolution calls for transparency regarding the DOT's priorities and seeks to understand barriers preventing the project's progression. Furthermore, it raises concerns about the need for evacuation routes for local schools, indicating that proper traffic management and infrastructure improvements are essential not only for daily commutes but also for emergency preparedness.