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Search The Maui News archives for the word combination "long-awaited" and there's a good chance of being swamped by articles about Kihei.
The stories might be about the community's "long-awaited high school" or "long-awaited gym" or "long-awaited alternate north-south collector road," but all will illustrate Kihei's track record of being passed over when it comes to funding for its projects. With that history in mind, it was impossible to blame south siders for their skepticism in March when new Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen promised to make the north-south collector road his "No. 1 priority."
Imagine their pleasant surprise Thursday when Bissen and his team delivered on that pledge with the announcement that Phase 1 of the collector road to extend Liloa Drive would be funded by a $25 million federal grant from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. Construction on the 0.44-mile stretch linking East Waipuilani Road and Kulanihakoi Street is expected to start in 2025.
We're not sure how much roadway $25 million builds these days, but the influx of federal dollars is certainly a step in the right direction. Phase 1 of the two-lane road is scheduled to include a low bridge over wide Waipuilani Gulch, a pair of roundabouts, landscaping, drainage improvements and an adjacent path for walking and biking.
Kulanihakoi Street intersects with Piilani Highway at the now-infamous roundabout built to serve Kulanihako'i High School. Ideally, opening this alternate route through the heart of Kihei will alleviate school-related traffic congestion. Let's hope we and our island guests have mastered the roundabout by the time Phase 1 is completed. This is sure to add crossing traffic, which has proven to be one of the trickier challenges for drivers on Piilani Highway. They are required to yield, but often fail to do so.
Phase 1 also connects to a spur of Kenolio Road that fronts the vacant lot we believe is the ideal place to build the makai access for the school's mandated pedestrian overpass. The lot is already grade-separated from the highway and would allow for a single arched span for walkers and bikers that will not require ramps, stairs or an elevator. This access would be situated away from the dangerous highway and its narrow bike paths and bridges. We urge the state and county to partner to acquire the property and turn it into a drop-off circle for school, and a parking lot for joggers and bikers. There should also be room for a playground.
A simple easement to access the overpass could also work.
Thursday's news release by the county says planning and funding for Phase 2 of the five-phase extension project will not start until Phase 1 is finished. That got us wondering whether we'll live long enough to see the "long-awaited" artery completed. Can you blame us? This is Kihei we're talking about.