GARY T. KUBOTA / GKUBOTA@STARBULLETIN.COM The state reduced the number of hours it plans to close Hana Highway for repairs during the holiday season. Workers fixed a section yesterday near Kaumahina State Park.

Complaints prompt
change on repairs
to Hana Highway

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Star-Bulletin staff

WAILUKU >> The state has reduced the number of hours it plans to close Hana Highway during the holiday season, according to the Maui Visitor Bureau.

One lane will be open on Hana Highway Monday through Thursday and from next week Wednesday through Friday, bureau official Charlene Kauhane said.

The road will be closed from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and next week Monday and Tuesday.

Under the former plan, at least one of the two lanes on Hana Highway was scheduled to be closed during road repairs Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The former plan also called for the road to be completely closed from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

The change follows complaints by businesses about the road repair schedule through March, especially during the holiday season.

Some Hana businesses say they have experienced a loss in revenue in excess of 20 percent from slumping tourism following an outbreak of dengue fever in East Maui and the drop in travel from the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the East Coast.