Maui County will host three community meetings over the coming weekend for residences and businesses affected by the emergency road closure at the Alelele Point area in East Maui.
The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
- June 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Kalena Triangle in Kipahulu
- June 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Wananalua Church Hall in Hana
- June 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Kaupo School in Kaupo
Rockfalls near Alelele Point damaged vehicles and obstructed the roadway, prompting the closure of a one-mile of Hana Highway from Alelele to Lelekea bridges on May 10. The remote, narrow roadway connects Kipahulu and Kaupo. Motorists approaching the closed stretch of highway from either Hana/Kipahulu or Kaupo/Kanaio are being asked to turn around.
Roughly 1,500 tons of rock debris will need to be removed, a consultant said last week following an assessment of the area.
According to the county, emergency stabilization efforts are underway, and drones and other technology are being used to assess the area. The county has solicited proposals from contractors and will make a decision following the May 30 deadline for applications. Rock scaling and other slope stabilization work are expected to begin on June 5 and are estimated to take three weeks to complete.
The initial emergency cliffside stabilization work will cost approximately $900,000, according to the county.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency has asked residents affected by the emergency closure to report how they have been impacted and what assistance they may need. East Maui, Kaupo and Kanaio residents affected by the closure are encouraged to report impacts through the Maui Emergency Management Agency online form to help determine the extent of impact and identify people in need of assistance. The form can be found at www.crisistrack.com.
The area has a tragic history of previous rockfalls. In 2004, a Kipahulu national park ranger who stopped to clear rocks from the roadway was struck and killed by a falling 3-foot boulder. Two years later, a Hana resident resting near Lelekea Stream following a hike was crushed to death by a falling 2,500-pound boulder.
While the hazards are being addressed, tourism industry officials are asking visitors to help curb traffic congestion by taking group tours rather than driving individually to Hana.
“Out of the respect for the Hana community, it is recommended to experience the road to Hana through a guided tour and not to drive it on your own,” said Janet Kuwahara, Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau senior manager of operations.
“This is the only accessibility for the Hana community; they depend on Hāna Highway for access to work, supplies, emergency services, etc. Your kokua and sensitivity is appreciated until the road repairs are completed between Kipahulu and Kaupo and is open and safe to travel.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: The original story was updated with information about the upcoming community meetings. (May 29, 2023)