The state is moving forward with a 4.5-mile Lahaina Bypass extension in West Maui, funded in part by $100 million in disaster relief, but residents are raising concerns about the proposed connector routes and whether the money is being spent wisely.
- The proposed extension would run from Keawe Street to the Pu’ukoli’i area, designed to improve emergency access and wildfire/tsunami evacuation in West Maui.
- Total project cost is estimated at $220–$240 million, with construction expected to begin mid-to-late 2028 and completion targeted for December 2030.
- Mayor Bissen’s administration committed $100 million in disaster relief funding toward the extension, drawing criticism from residents who say the money should go toward rebuilding Lahaina or a new hospital.
- Two potential connector routes linking the bypass to Honoapiilani Highway are under study, with residents opposing a middle route near Hanakao’o Beach Park.
- The specific route has not yet been finalized; state officials say environmental assessments are ongoing and community input is still being gathered.
Source: Maui News
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