Four different Build Alternatives were considered as well as a “No-Build” option. View Build Alternatives 

Alternatives were screened against the main objective to reduce the highway’s exposure to the Sea Level Rise Inundation Encroachment Area (SLR-XA) and ocean hazards, which means moving the mauka or elevating the highway.

Considerations for selecting viable alternatives:

• feasibility
• constructability
• consistency with community plans
• minimizing impacts to historic and cultural sites
• minimizing adverse environmental impacts
• financial viability

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) evaluates alternatives to determine a preferred option that achieves project goals and minimizes adverse effects.

HDOT and FHWA are looking for your input on findings included in the DEIS. Your comments will be incorporated into the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

Impacts to environmental and cultural resources were evaluated while determining a preferred alternative for the highway.

The preferred alignment will be designed to minimize ecological impacts by managing stormwater runoff and avoidance of critical environmental features.

Federal (Section 106) and State (Historic Preservation HRS 6E) law require that HDOT consider the project's potential impacts on cultural resources.

View Section 106 Webpage

We have and will continue to follow Section 106 procedures, should there be adverse impacts to cultural resources, and Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 6E to complete archaeological and architectural studies of resources in the area.

We rely on local experts to identify cultural and historic concerns that should be addressed. With input from these community members and experts, we can avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to important resources.

If you have knowledge of cultural resources in the area, please contact:

Mr. Ken Tatsuguchi
HDOT Project Manager
Ken.tatsuguchi@hawaii.gov

This project is being designed to address changing environmental conditions. It is widely known that Honoapiʿilani Highway is often affected by high waves, erosion, and other coastal events.

The project aims to improve the reliability of the highway and minimize the risk of these flood events that are exacerbated by climate change and sea level rise.

We are working with the County and MauiMPO on multimodal considerations (including opportunities along the old highway).

Safety and accessibility for all users are a priority in alternative development. HDOT is dedicated to providing a safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable inter-modal transportation system to ensure the mobility of people and goods while enhancing and/or preserving economic stability.

HDOT will work with Maui County to ensure continued access to beach areas. Overall, HDOT is dedicated to improving quality of life for Hawaiian communities, public safety, and improved access to public beaches is an important consideration.

The $22 million RAISE (now known as BUILD) grant is specifically for a transportation project that addresses resiliency in this area and is part of the overall funding used to implement the proposed Project.

The BUILD-RAISE grant money can be used for a variety of specific project construction elements that ensure the resiliency of the transportation network.

Infrastructure repairs have been necessary to maintain the vital highway link to West Maui.

The conversion of the existing roadway to a County-controlled local access route means the ability to remove or modify hard features, such as the sea wall, can be considered and implemented by the County.

HDOT would seek to transfer the old road to Maui County, who will then decide how the roadway will support planning and policies. Road access would be provided for existing homes, businesses, and pedestrians.

Separate from the Honoapiʻilani project, HDOT is working with The Nature Conservancy and University of Hawaii Manoa to engage the public for a proof-of-concept design for the coastal area from Ukumehame to Launiupoko. This area includes the old highway. Information on that project, Olowalu: The Road to Resilience, can be found here OLOWALU: THE ROAD TO RESILIENCE