Honoapiilani Highway Improvements

Email sent to WMTA:

​Aloha West Maui Taxpayers Association Staff, 
 
The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division (HDOT) is planning improvements to Honoapiilani Highway (State Route 30) between Launiupoko and Ukumehame that would address the roadway’s vulnerability to coastal hazards and sea level rise. HDOT anticipates preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA) and Chapter 343 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS 343), Hawaii’s environmental impact statement law, to evaluate and disclose the project’s potential environmental impacts and identify permitting requirements. 
 
Prior to preparing a HRS 343 EIS preparation notice (EISPN) or NEPA Notice of Intent (NOI), which formally note the start of the environmental review process, we are gathering information from stakeholders and agencies who may have knowledge of the project area. At this time, we are seeking input on the proposed project as well as information related to any environmental, social, or economic concerns related to the project or project area, which are described in greater detail below.  A location map showing the general project area is attached. 
 
Both State and federal funds will be used for this project, including a $22 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) construction grant. This grant was competitively awarded by the US Department of Transportation for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. 
 
 
Overview of Proposed Project  
 
HDOT is proposing improvements to a 6mile stretch of Honoapiilani Highway between Ukumehame, at approximately milepost 11, and Launiupoko, at approximately milepost 17. Honoapiilani Highway, which is part of Maui’s Belt Road system, is a two-lane principal arterial highway that provides sole access to communities along the west coast of Maui with the rest of the Island. The Highway currently runs along the coastline and is chronically threatened by erosion, high wave flooding, and sea-level rise, as well as other less frequent but potentially devastating natural hazards such as tsunami and hurricanes/storm surge. The project will look at alternatives to address the susceptibility of the highway to these occurrences. 
 
Request for Input 
 
HDOT welcomes any comments and input you may have on the purpose and need for this project, possible alternatives, or any information related to any environmental, social, or economic concerns related to the project or project area.   
 
We kindly request that information or responses be provided in writing via email to me at:  genevieve.h.sullivan@hawaii.gov by March 8, 2022.  
 
Upcoming Townhall Meeting 
 
Community town hall meetings will be held on-line as follows: 
 
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Online Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84932844163 
or 
Join by Phone: 888-475-4499 (Toll-free) 
Meeting ID: 849 3284 4163  
 
 
Thursday, February 24, 2022 
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Online Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82088238611 
or 
Join by Phone: 888-475-4499 (Toll-free) 
Meeting ID: 820 8823 8611  
 
Meeting details are also on our project website – www.honoapiilanihwyimprovements.com. Please check back regularly as the website will be updated as the project progresses   
 
Please contact me with any questions and thank you in advance for your input.  
 
Sincerely, 
 
Genevieve Sullivan  
Project Manager 
 
To request language interpretation an auxiliary aid or special services (e.g. sign language interpreter, materials in alternate format), please contact me prior to the meeting dates. Please submit requests in a timely manner to allow an adequate period to fulfill requests. 
 
Genevieve Hilliard Sullivan
Planner VI, HDOT Highways
808-587-1834 | genevieve.h.sullivan@hawaii.gov

http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/

869 Punchbowl Street Room 301, Honolulu, HI, 96813