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Ask The Mayor

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Q: I’ve lived in Napili since 2004. I’ve noticed all these years that the upper Honoapiilani Highway needs defined middle striping on the road from Honokowai to Napilihau Street. During the winter months of increased traffic and rain, it’s very difficult to maintain road presence. I know the sides of the road are defined, but after almost being hit for the umpteenth time, I thought I would call this to your attention in hopes of a remedy.

A: Mahalo for your question. Staff from our Department of Public Works assisted my office to look into this issue. I’m not sure if you’re referring to Lower Honoapiilani Road, which is under the county’s jurisdiction, or Honoapiilani Highway, which falls under the state Department of Transportation. The only questionable area on the lower county road is the short area between Omaikai Place to Hoohui Road. This area of roadway is listed in our future county engineering paving projects, while the other areas are in acceptable condition.

To give the public a little insight on the life expectancy of thermoplastic road striping, it generally lasts up to five years. For Maui, though, the striping can last five to eight years and in some cases much longer depending upon traffic volume, weather and condition of the road.

I believe you may be referring to the state highway from Honokowai to Napilihau. The middle striping does transition from the normal solid, double-yellow lines into the newly installed rumble strips with yellow ceramic buttons. My staff forwarded your concerns to the state DOT office, which responded that it will take a look at the striping and pavement markings and address issues appropriately.

To reach the DOT Maui District Office, you may call 873-3538. To report a highway problem, please call 873-3535. For a list of our county Engineering Division’s current and future projects, please visit www.mauicounty.gov/1844/Current-Future-Projects.

Q: Is there a charge if paramedics/EMS are dispatched to evaluate someone but the patient is not transported? I am inquiring as I’ve heard from many people that they don’t want to call 911 because they feel they will be charged. I am hoping you can help answer this question and reassure people.

A: Aloha and thank you for your question. I asked my staff to research this question with the help of our Maui Police Department, and they were told by our Maui American Medical Response that there is no charge if the patient is evaluated in the field and NOT transported.

Our residents and visitors should not feel discouraged to call 911, but should only call in emergency situations. I would also like to ask everyone to keep the families of those affected by last month’s tragedy in Honolulu in your thoughts and prayers. Hawaii has some of the bravest and finest first responders in the entire country, and we lift up the men and women serving in the Honolulu Police Department.

* Want to Ask the Mayor? Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.

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