Paia merchants PAIA, Maui >> The Paia Merchants Association has withdrawn a legal challenge to halt a parking ban in Paia, because of a written agreement reached with state officials.
drop state suit
A written agreement with officials
will halt parking restrictionsBy Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.comAssociation attorney Mary Cochran said the state has agreed in writing not to impose parking restrictions without first obtaining the consent of the merchants or a court order.
"They have to come back to us, and we have to agree to it," Cochran said.
The agreement means the association will not move forward with trying to obtain a preliminary injunction against the state today at a Maui Circuit Court hearing.
State transportation officials were scheduled to ban parking on the mauka side of Hana Highway through Paia from 4 to 6 p.m. starting yesterday at least on a 30-day trial basis, but canceled their plan after encountering protests and a lawsuit filed by the association.
Transportation officials have agreed to take another look at the parking ban and various traffic alternatives.
Cochran said she was pleased with the agreement and talks with state Deputy Attorney General Wayne Matsuura.
"I believe the state is very sincere in working to address the community's concerns," she said.
State Sen. J. Kalani English (D, Wailuku-Upcountry Maui) met with Gov. Ben Cayetano yesterday to discuss the state implementing other traffic alternatives, including developing a Paia bypass and a reliever road provided by Alexander & Baldwin Inc.
"I thought it was a very successful meeting," English said.