After the state Department of Transportation (DOT) opened access to Honoapi'ilani Highway (Route 30) between Keawe Street and Hōkiokio Place at noon today, County of Maui officials are reminding motorists that this portion of the highway is meant to be an alternative to Lahaina Bypass used by through-traffic only.

State DOT said speed limits of 35 and 40 mph have been reduced to 30 mph on Honoapi‘ilani Highway between Keawe Street and Hōkiokio Place as area debris removal and construction continue.

While Lahaina town remains closed, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) adjusted security posts on County cross streets in response to state DOT changes to its highway.

MEMA added two security checkpoints and relocated two existing ones. Also, 11 access points now require hard barricades and/or deterrents (signage) to maintain security.

As of Aug. 1, 2024, security checkpoints will be located at the following cross streets:

• Kenui Street and Front Street
• Honoapi‘ilani Highway and Papalaua Street (Mauka)
• Honoapi‘ilani Highway and Lahainaluna Road (Makai)
• Honoapi‘ilani Highway and Shaw Street (Makai)
• Honoapi‘ilani Highway and Front Street (South Makai)

There will be a high volume of commercial debris removal between Papalaua Street and Shaw Street. The security checkpoint at Lahainaluna Road will only be used for designated debris removal vehicles.  

For those with new or existing residential re-entry and contractor placards, please remain within zones for which your placard is assigned and avoid crossing through debris removal areas into other zones.

MEMA’s adjustments are the first portion of a phased approach to lifting access restrictions in other parts of the impact zone over time. Once details are finalized, they will be released.

For information, including maps, on adjusted County checkpoints and access routes, visit https://intercom.help/mauirecovers/en/articles/9684306-community-meeting-on-july-31-2024.

For the state DOT announcement about Honoapi’ilani Highway, visit https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/honoapiilani-highway-in-lahaina-to-open-on-aug-1/.