The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Honoapi‘ilani Highway Improvements Project. The FEIS has been published in both the Federal Register and the state’s Environmental Notice.
According to HDOT, this step fulfills requirements under the National Environmental Protection Act and marks completion of environmental analysis needed to proceed with proposed actions. The main objective of the project is to relocate a portion of Honoapi‘ilani Highway further inland from the coastline in West Maui. This aims to make transportation more reliable by reducing exposure to coastal hazards such as sea level rise, king tides, and storms.
Over the last decade, the section of highway between Pāpalaua Beach Park and Launiupoko has undergone several repairs due to damage from storms and high waves.
HDOT held two public hearings and collected written comments on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The final version addresses public feedback by including a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists, adding a second signalized intersection at Ehehene Street in Ukumehame, considering passing lanes between Ehehene Street and Luawai Street, along with other infrastructure changes.
“The publication of the FEIS ensures compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act and signifies that the necessary environmental analysis to move forward with a proposed action has been completed,” HDOT stated.
Construction costs for these improvements are estimated at $298 million, with work expected to begin in 2028. More details about the project can be found on its website: https://www.honoapiilanihwyimprovements.com/
