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Mahalo for the informative March 17 article "Biking gains traction on Maui" for the South Maui district. We look at the current (1998) community plan, which is riddled with concepts relating to community cycling, sadly not brought to fruition or implemented.
Just a sampling: "A trail/greenway/bikeway system is also being proposed to provide alternative means of transportation . . . provide an integrated system of pedestrian and bicycle paths . . . minimize dependence of automobiles . . . Require . . . an open space, pedestrian pathway, and bikeway system . . . " and " . . . pedestrian and bikeway to allow school children to access beach." This was 20 years ago.
What happened to the Waipuilani bike path that had funding back in 2014 but was never built? How about constructing the path along makai edge of the community park proposed in May 2015? Both of these are on county land.
What happened? Save the tiny, less than half-a-mile stretch makai Liloa, where is it safe to bicycle for keiki and kupuna? While the bike path installed by the state along the Mokulele-Veterans highway is great, how can you reach it safely by bicycle?
We commend the Maui Bicycle League and appreciate the value of recreational bicycle rides, but they often require using a motor vehicle to commence the ride. It would be positive to have a bikeway system where kids could bike to school and residents could bike to the store, leaving the car at home sometimes. Does the new county administration have the political will?
Mike Moran, President
Kihei Community Association