Mauka collector road and evacuation route feasibility study
Maui County
Summary
Kihei is essentially a one-road-in, one-road-out community, and testifiers called it a death trap in a fire, tsunami, or flood. The plan emphasizes the North-South Collector Road, but speakers say a real second highway exit is still needed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
The first phase of the Liloa Drive extension is anticipated to begin development in 2027; broader evacuation infrastructure costs are unquantified.
Everyone in South Maui would benefit from a second evacuation route and completed road network.
Residents face potentially fatal delays in evacuating during fire, flood, or tsunami.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — October 21, 2026
The committee strengthened the draft plan's call for studying a new road connecting South Maui to Central Maui mauka of Piilani Highway — doubling as an evacuation route, a top concern since the fires. Study cost: about $250,000, with a $10 million implementation action added.
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — October 2, 2026
The plan waffles between calling the Mauka road a "bypass" (like the Maui Island Plan does) and a "collector road" (what the CPAC prefers). The distinction matters: bypasses get limited access points and federal money; collector roads serve new neighborhoods but could bottleneck in an evacuation. Members want the plan consistent before deciding who builds and pays for it.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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