In response to the April 13 editorial, "Ramp is the best solution," I would urge everyone who drives to consider those of us who don't.
As a constant pedestrian in and around Central Maui, including along the airport road, a ramp or loop has the potential to exclude access for pedestrians to the airport or anywhere else along that route. There are visitors to Maui who end up walking to and from the airport regularly for lack of a cab fare or a bus at the right time.
To the Department of Transportation and the planning commission members: As you consider the various alternatives, please include pedestrian access as an issue and sidewalks or a walking path (not just the defacto shoulder of the road) along the whole stretch between Kahului and the airport - on both sides of the highway.
As common sense as that sounds, even Kaahumanu Avenue between Wailuku and the Maui Mall lacks these safety measures. It would make walking a much healthier endeavor for everyone - two-footed and four-wheeled.
Penny Levin
Wailuku
