Wait a minute. The state Department of Education, who is tasked with the safety and well-being of our students (among other things like education) paid $16 million to build a roundabout that costs $16 million?

Since when does a roundabout cost $16 million? Give me and four of my friends $250,000 each and we’ll build you a roundabout — it’s not rocket science.

Per The Maui News (Dec. 12, 2020): “During a contentious LUC meeting held virtually in September, Sniffen said the Piilani Highway roundabout would cost about $6 million.”

So, what happened to the other $10 million? And why is the apparently cash-strapped (apparently not) DOE giving $16 million to pay for it?

The other glaring shameful fact is that the DOT allowed them to pay for it. The DOT is just as guilty for being a party to this disgraceful action.

If this were the private sector, those involved would be investigated and most likely fired.

Paul Fasi

Kula