Highways

KAHULUI – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is putting the environmental assessment process for the Paia Relief Route project on hold as conversations continue on the prioritization of Maui capacity projects. Capacity projects currently under consideration on the Valley Isle and the associated construction estimates in today’s dollars are:

• Realignment of Honoapiilani Highway, Pali to Puamana – $250 million
• Lahaina Bypass, Phase 1C – $70 million
• Lahaina Bypass, Phase 2 – $40 million
• Paia Relief Route (depending on alignment chosen) – $50-150 million

“While we believe that these projects would improve the quality of life for Maui residents, heighten visitor experience, and boost the economy, we must look realistically at our available highways funding and the very real need to maintain our existing roads,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen.

The 2018 Legislature passed a $2.00 rental car surcharge to be earmarked for capacity projects on the island on which the fees were assessed. According to industry estimates this could possibly raise up to $8.9 million on Maui. HDOT is currently assessing the best use of the additional capacity funds.

More information on the Paia Relief Route can be found at https://paiareliefroute.com/

A map of the considered alignments is available here.

###