Updated Status Of Lahaina Bypass Road Project

KAHULUI — The State Department of Transportation (HDOT) is working to resolve issues related to two archaeological sites discovered within the construction area of the planned Honoapi’ilani Highway Realignment Project, Phase 1A, also known as the Lahaina Bypass.

HDOT is evaluating alternative alignments as a possible option for the project that would allow the road to avoid the agricultural terraces found last year at the construction site. Environmental or archaeological studies would still be required for any proposed road realignment.

“We understand the public’s longtime desire for this project to move forward to help alleviate traffic,” said DOT Interim Director Brennon Morioka.  “We appreciate Maui residents’ understanding and patience as we work to find acceptable alternatives while we resolve archaeological issues relating to the construction of the Lahaina Bypass.  We will continue to keep the public informed and involved in the discussion about this important project.”

Morioka is scheduled to brief the Governor’s Maui Community Advisory Council on the Lahaina Bypass project and other highway improvements in West Maui on Thursday, Feb. 21, 5 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center. The public is invited to attend.

In addition, an informational meeting with the general public will be held on Wednesday, April 30 to explain the findings of the field investigations, current direction of the project, and status of the construction schedule. The meeting, which will be held at the Lahaina Civic Center, will begin at 5 p.m. with an open house featuring project displays, followed by a presentation and question-and-answer session starting at 6 p.m.

HDOT is currently determining the significance of the large complex of agricultural terraces. Since summer 2007, field investigations have been performed on both sites to document the agricultural terrace features located within the project right-of-way.

The first archaeological site, described as a remnant-walled enclosure, was documented as part of archaeological studies conducted during the early to mid-1990s and was included in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) in 2002. The second archaeological site is described as a large complex of agricultural terraces, 30 acres of which lie within state property.

In conjunction with the field investigation, the DOT has consulted with lineal descendents of the original families associated with the area. The ongoing consultation was recently extended to other Hawaiian cultural groups and agencies including the Native Hawaiian Historic Preservation Council of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Maui/Lana‘i Islands Burial Council, Na Kupuna O Maui, Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, and Lahaina-Honolua Senior Citizens Club.

The DOT has also been working closely with the Federal Highways Administration on the possible alternatives to develop acceptable options upon which the department may proceed.

Phase 1A of the Honoapi‘ilani Highway Realignment Project is planned as a two-lane road spanning approximately one-half mile from Lahainaluna Road to the future Keawe Street Extension. The Lahaina Bypass is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve circulation at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Lahainaluna Road.  Future phases of the Honoapi’ilani Highway Realignment Project will continue the new two-lane roadway south towards Launiupoko and north towards Honokowai.

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