SR 21: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND department of transportation of the county of maui TO COLLABORATE WITH THE KIHEI COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KIHEI MAUKA ROAD PROJECT.

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND department of transportation of the county of maui TO COLLABORATE WITH THE KIHEI COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KIHEI MAUKA ROAD PROJECT.

     WHEREAS, the Kihei Community Association (KCA), established in 1960, is a nonprofit organization led by an all-volunteer, elected board of directors, dedicated to promoting the development and maintenance of Kihei as a desirable residential community; and

WHEREAS, Kihei, a rapidly growing region in South Maui, faces significant transportation challenges, including frequent flooding and road closures that impact residents' daily commutes and overall quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the KCA has been actively advocating for infrastructure improvements to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for alternative routes to enhance traffic flow and provide reliable transportation options; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Kihei Mauka Road aims to offer an alternative route to the frequently congested South Kihei Road, thereby improving traffic flow and providing a reliable transportation option for residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the KCA has identified the completion of the North-South Collector Road, including the Kihei Mauka Road segment, as a priority for 2025, recognizing its potential to enhance connectivity and support smart growth in the community; and

WHEREAS, collaboration between state and county transportation departments and the KCA is essential to ensure that the planning and implementation of the Kihei Mauka Road align with community needs and sustainable development principles; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Transportation and Department of Transportation of the County of Maui are requested to collaborate with the Kihei Community Association in the planning and implementation of the Kihei Mauka Road project; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this collaboration include regular consultations with the KCA to incorporate community feedback, address environmental concerns, and ensure the project aligns with the Kihei-Makena Community Plan; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation, Director of Transportation of the County of Maui, and President of the Kihei Community Association.

Report Title: 

DOT; Department of Transportation of the County of Maui; Kihei Community Association; Infrastructure; Kihei Mauka Road project

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1608

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 21

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 21 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO COLLABORATE WITH THE KIHEI COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KIHEI MAUKA ROAD PROJECT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation and Department of Transportation of the County of Maui to collaborate with the Kihei Community Association in the planning and implementation of the Kihei Mauka Road project.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Kihei Community Association and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the Kihei Community Association (KCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the development and maintenance of Kihei, has been advocating for infrastructure improvements, emphasizing the need for alternative routes to enhance traffic flow and provide reliable transportation options.  Your Committee further finds that Kihei has been unable to accommodate the community growth in recent years and is facing significant transportation challenges.  KCA has identified construction priorities to alleviate traffic congestion, including the completion of the Kihei Mauka Road.  Your Committee concludes that collaboration between state and county transportation departments and KCA is essential to ensure that the planning and implementation of the Kihei Mauka Road align with community needs and sustainable development principles.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 21 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,