Kudos go out to the State Highways Department for the efficient work done to smooth out Honoapiilani Highway from Lahainaluna Road to Kaanapali Parkway over the last few months. Coinciding with a new water main being installed along Wahikuli Park, the road project was done at night to prevent gridlock that would have surely put a standstill to the peak season traffic from Kapalua to Maalaea.

While we realize that Lahaina residents along the roadway were inconvenienced to a certain extent with the late night work, the advantage surely goes to a wise decision to keep traffic flowing smoothly during the day and morning hours.

Community gratitude goes out also to Mayor Alan Arakawa and the Maui County administration for the project to extend the sidewalk/pathway from Hanakao’o Park (Canoe Beach) southward to where Front Street meets the highway at the 5 Palms Restaurant.

It is a wonderful thought to realize that residents and visitors alike will now be able to walk, jog or run from Old Lahaina Town to Kaanapali and beyond! Imagine taking morning walks along this oceanfront pathway with the glistening water, Lanai and Molokai on one side of you and the rainbow bridge of the majestic West Maui Mountains on the other. Think of a sunset stroll to immerse yourself in the pastel colors of Lahaina evenings.

A minor hiccup remains here, however. A dilapidated building currently used as a Maui County Parks and Recreation Department equipment base yard and an adjoining former pump station shack now block and spoil the view plane from the walkway and the highway near the Front Street intersection.

It is my understanding that there is ample space for the parks base yard mauka of Lahaina Civic Center, and the pump station shack is no longer in operation.

Thus, it would be a minor project to clear this million dollar view plane for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors to West Maui.

How many times have you marveled at the crystal blue waters or a spectacular sunset along this entry way to Kaanapali?

This would be a beneficial investment for public tax dollars that would add to the life experience of all – a simple project that would bolster Maui as “no ka ‘oi.” Just do it!