Maui meetings WAILUKU >> Maui residents and businesses who rely on the scenic Hana Highway for their livelihood will have several opportunities this week to express concerns about the impact of a massive project to repair roads and replace bridges.
seek input on Hana
Highway repairs
The state says repairs are
needed at 18 locations
along Hana
By Gary Kubota
Maui correspondent
The highway is the primary artery between Kahului and Hana town and, because it winds through lush rainforests with dozens of waterfalls, it is also a major visitor attraction.
Oct. 27 Hana Special
Some residents fear any prolonged road closures would destroy tourist-based businesses.
"If the tourists don't come, we'd lose half our income. Some people are working on a 10 percent profit margin," said Charles Thorne, owner of Maui Cave Adventures.
The state says repairs are needed at 18 different locations over a 19-mile stretch of the highway from Huelo to Nahiku because of damage caused by erosion and flooding.
Maui County is planning to replace two bridges on the south side of Hana over the next two years.
The state is considering doing some of its work at night, which could limit daytime road closures. That sits well with Hana businessman Carl Lundquist.
"Both the county and state have a much better attitude about getting the public involved," Lundquist said.
The state will discuss the first phase of the project at three meetings this week: Keanae School tomorrow; Helene Hall on Wednesday; and the Paia Community Center on Thursday. The meetings start at 7 p.m.
Maui County Mayor James "Kimo" Apana will go before the Hana Business Council this Thursday to discuss the bridge replacement project. That meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Hana Plantation House.
