I recently wrote about the unbelievable traffic jam that occurs every afternoon when people are attempting to leave Lahaina for Central Maui. What should normally take five minutes takes an unbelievable 45 minutes to travel from Lahainaluna to Launiupoko. I suggested anyone experiencing this mess write the governor to demand action. I took my advice and sent a letter.

I received a reply from Edwin Sniffen, deputy director, Highways Division. He commiserates with the poor drivers of West Maui and goes on to say the state doesn’t have enough money for congestion relief while catching up with aging infrastructure.

He also states a study was done to improve capacity between Maalaea and Launiupoko but it was shelved to focus on shoreline safety improvements.

If there’s a bad vehicle collision or a fire that maims multiple people, how does Mr. Sniffen propose to get the injured out of West Maui between 3 and 7 p.m.? Helicopter? They only carry one person.

West Maui needs a four-lane, all-weather highway from Maalaea to Lahaina. Please take a few moments to write the governor today. Politicians only respond to multiple, loud voices.

Mike Sowers

Kaanapali