KAHULUI, Hawaii — The Maui County Department of Public Works alerted residents on Tuesday that the roadway in the remote area of Alelele Point on Maui’s southeast side has eroded and become unstable due to recent heavy rains. As a result, the road will be restricted to local traffic use only, specifically, passenger vehicles such as sedans and pickup trucks.
Recent rain caused the makai edge of the road near mile marker 39 to collapse. A geotechnical engineering assessment was conducted, which deemed the underlying ground unsuitable for heavy traffic, according to the department. Therefore, heavy trucks and other equipment, in addition to visitor traffic, are prohibited from accessing the road.
Although local residential sedans and pickup trucks are allowed, drivers are advised to avoid the area when there are heavy rains or large surf.
The roadway will be closed for at least two months to complete needed repairs, according to a news release, though it will be open to local passenger vehicles only during non-working hours once work begins.
Closure signs are at the Kipahulu and Kaupo ends of Alelele Point along with message boards in Ulupalakua and Hana.