The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has announced that modular homes designed to provide shelter for wildfire survivors will soon be making their way through Maui roads to the Kilohana temporary group housing site in Lahaina. According to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation press release, traffic delays are expected as the transport of these homes kicks off from Kahului Harbor and continues over the next couple of weeks.
This endeavor is set to take place on two Sundays, Dec. 15 and 22, from the early morning at 6 a.m. to the afternoon at 2 p.m. The journey for the trucks will start at Hobron Avenue, move west on Kaʻahumanu Avenue, and finally, turn toward the staging site near Kahului boat ramp. These modular structures are a beacon of hope, a tangible representation of recovery and the resilience of a community grappling with the aftermath of wildfire, as reported by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
Continuing on Monday, Dec. 16 and Tuesday, Dec. 17, beginning at the later hour of 8 p.m., up to two convoys per night will carry the homes from the staging site to their destination in Kilohana. The nighttime scheduling is likely aimed at minimizing traffic disruptions during peak hours. Following the Christmas holiday, from Thursday Dec. 26 to Sunday, Dec. 29, additional convoys (one per night) will proceed with the transports, also commencing at 8 p.m, as per the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
The convoys have a specific route planned, starting at the Kahului boat ramp and advancing south on Kahului Beach Road before making an east turn onto Kaʻahumanu Avenue, and then continuing onto Hāna Highway. Making a right turn onto Elmer F. Carvalho Way and then westbound on Kūihelani Highway, the trucks, and their oversized cargo, will reach Lahaina via Honoapiʻilani Highway and navigate through Lahaina town to the site mauka of Lahaina Gateway shopping center. Motorists along these routes should expect and prepare for potential slowdowns and stops, the modular homes' size necessitates such caution, and escorts will be present to aid in the safe transport of the homes, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
For drivers in Maui, the upcoming weeks will require a bit of patience as these modular homes make their journey. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation urges everyone to obey the signs and directions from traffic controllers to ensure safety and to facilitate this important stage of Lahaina's community rebuilding. For updates and more information on the transport details, motorists can refer to the official Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announcement.
