One month ago, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced the revival of the north bypass project. The project on Kakaalaneo Drive has had decades of studies, but had stalled out.

Now, DOT announced the possibility of not using Kakaalaneo Drive, going through agricultural land and that has no cross streets.

Mayor Richard Bissen is announcing a new idea to make the Lahaina bypass end and exit on Puukolii Street, along the side of residential, vacation rentals, apartments and parking lots.

Puukolii has six curves that causes four blind corners for cars trying to enter Puukolii Road. Plus, the cluster of a lane, drive and railway tracks at the Highway 30 intersection will make it impossible to enter Puukolii.

At the Highway 30 and Puukolii road intersection, there have been at least two pedestrian deaths. Tourists use the crosswalk to get to Kahekeli Beach Park on Kai Ala Road in Kaanapali.

A petition opposing the bypass switching to Puukolii Road gained 500 signatures of opposition within five days.

The public met with a government representative met at Lahainaluna High School to oppose and question the change from an agricultural area that has new high quality electric pole and lines and had no cross streets.

Robin Ritchie
Lahaina