GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $2.5 MILLION TO WIDEN HONOAPI`ILANI HIGHWAY ON MAUI

For Immediate Release: February 2, 2006

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $2,500,000 for a planning study to realign and widen Honoapi`ilani Highway from Ma`alaea to Launiupoko.  This project is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s commitment to “Keep Maui On the Move.”

This project will study realignment and widening alternatives for Honoapi`ilani Highway and include proposed alternatives from Maui County and West Maui Land Company. 

Honoapi`ilani Highway is the only main road between Central and West Maui.

“Any disruption to traffic flow, including road closures, due to high ocean surges, traffic accidents, fires, and smoke hazards, has always been a major concern to the community,” said Governor Lingle.  “This project will improve these conditions for the benefit of residents and visitors.”

Governor Lingle has proposed an additional $1.2 million in her budget request to the Legislature for the design of phase 1B for this highway widening project, which would run from Launiupoko to Lahainaluna Road.
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For more information, contact:
Rod Haraga          
Director, Dept. of Transportation          
Phone:  587-2150

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043