Got thoughts on the future of the Hāna Highway’s historic bridges? The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has set the fourth and final public meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m., with an in-person session at Helene Hall in Hāna (174 Keawa Place) and a virtual option. State and federal engineers say they’ll share design updates and an anticipated construction timeline for work along Route 360 between Huelo and Hāna town.
According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, the meeting will also inform the environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Section 106 consultation for historic resources. Hawaiʻi DOT says this is the last in a series of four public engagements and will include a Q&A for community input.
Which bridges are on deck
The Final Environmental Assessment highlights six high‑priority spans: Kailua Stream (MP 5.9), Makanali Stream (MP 8.2), Puohokamoa Stream (MP 11), Kōpiliʻula Stream (MP 21.7), ʻUlaʻino Stream (MP 27.9) and Mokulehua Stream (MP 28.3). The Office of Planning's EA library hosts the FEA and appendices outlining “context‑sensitive” treatments, including retaining historic substructures where feasible.
Cost and schedule
The Final EA — published in September 2024 with a finding of no significant impact — set the project scope and allowed approvals to move forward. Maui Now notes the package is roughly a $40 million effort to upgrade the six bridges. The project website shows the team’s timeline moving into procurement, with “Advertise, Award, and Begin Construction” slated for 2026, subject to permitting and funding.
Preservation and local concerns
Preservation groups have been consulting parties to balance safety upgrades with the highway’s historic character. Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation has tracked the process, and the design approach emphasizes keeping visible abutments and piers as faces to new superstructures wherever possible.
How to take part
Attend in person at Helene Hall or join virtually. The project’s “Get Involved” page has registration details and meeting materials: find materials and register on the project website. For accommodations or language interpretation, contact Andrew Hirano at [email protected] or (808) 692‑7546, per HDOT. The agency also lists project manager Tom Kubicz’s contact for technical questions and asks that requests be submitted early so they can be fulfilled.
