Traffic to Ease on Maui
In an address marking the completion of repairs to Haleakala Highway on Maui, Lt. Governor Aiona described the road-widening project as a necessary step to help meet the challenges facing commuters in the months ahead.
Along with state and federal officials, the Lt. Governor participates in a dedication ceremony for the Haleakala Highway.
“This project is about more than alleviating traffic headaches and improving the quality of life for Maui residents,” Lt. Governor told those gathered at the dedication ceremony. “It will also help improve Maui’s economy, allowing for faster commutes, travel by tourists and transport of goods.”
The Lt. Governor added that over the past five years, Maui’s population has grown 5 percent. At the same time, the number of registered vehicles on Maui has increased 14 percent. In addition, fuel costs have jumped approximately $1.04 per gallon over the past year.
“Motorists are not only feeling the effects of bad traffic in terms of time, but they are also feeling it in their pocketbooks,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “The Haleakala Highway widening project will help to improve this traffic for the 30,000 vehicles that use this route daily.”
The Lt. Governor was joined at the dedication ceremony by officials of the state Department of Transportation and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, the two lead agencies involved in the $31.75 million project. The work, which was done in two phases, involved widening a 5.5-mile stretch of Haleakala Highway from a three-lane to a four-lane divided highway.
"At the end of the day, we hope to help each commuter spend more time at home with their families and less time sitting in traffic," said Department of Transportation Director Brennon Morioka.
