HANA, Hawaii — On Sunday, June 11, road work began on Maui’s Hana Highway at Alelele Point, where about a mile of roadway was closed on May 10 because of an increased risk of rockfall, according to a news release.
The county previously estimated that the road would be closed for up to a month and said the $1.5 million job would start on June 8.
Maui County selected Prometheus Construction, Inc. to perform emergency slope stabilization and repair work at Alelele Point. Crew members are rappelling along the 300-feet high slope to remove debris, including boulders, as large as four feet in diameter. To aid in the scaling and general rock removal process, heavy machinery is being employed. Temporary netting and other protective barriers have been installed to safeguard the roadway and telephone poles.
Over the first three days, the contractor has successfully cleared about 150 cubic yards of rock and soil debris. Maui County estimated that approximately 1,500 tons of rock debris will need to be cleared over an area of about 5 acres. The slope scaling activity is expected to continue for three weeks, after which safety conditions will be reassessed.
On May 10, rockfalls near Alelele Point damaged vehicles and obstructed the roadway, prompting the closure of the road between mile marker 38 and 39. This rural county roadway serves as a link connecting the remote communities of Kipahulu and Kaupo.
While the affected section remains inaccessible, drivers can still reach the Kipahulu Visitor Center and other parts of the Haleakala National Park Kipahulu District. Businesses in Kipahulu can be accessed via Kanaio, where Bully’s Burgers operates, leading to Kaupo.
Maui County launched a new page called “Alelele Point Rock Scaling Project Updates” on its official website to provide updates for residents of remote neighborhoods that have been affected by the closure.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.
