Highlighted News Stories from Early July 2023.
Maui County Awarded $25 Million Federal Grant for Liloa Drive Extension and Kihei North-South Collector Road Project.
Maui County has been granted a $25 million federal grant for the extension of Liloa Drive, as part of the initial phase of the Kihei North-South Collector Road project. The grant was awarded under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in South Maui. The funds will be used to extend Liloa Drive, creating a two-lane roadway with shared-use paths for pedestrians and bicycles. The project also includes three roundabouts and two bridges, along with other features such as retaining walls, fencing, railings, street lights, and storm drain systems. The first phase of the project covers 0.44 miles of the total 0.93-mile extension. The remaining phases will be undertaken in the future. The grant is seen as an important step in improving road infrastructure and providing alternative access for residents and emergency vehicles in Kihei. Construction is expected to start in 2025, following environmental reviews and permit approvals.
Maui County Moves Closer to Implementing GET Surcharge to Fund Housing Infrastructure.
Maui County’s Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee unanimously voted to recommend a half-percent surcharge to the state general excise tax (GET), which would add 0.5 percent to the existing 4 percent tax and potentially impact the cost of everyday goods and services. The estimated annual revenue of $80 million would be allocated to housing infrastructure, including sewer, water systems, and street safety. A public hearing will be held on July 6, followed by the first reading before the full council on July 7. The bill must be passed by August 1 for the surcharge to take effect on January 1. The amendment to allocate 20 percent of the revenue to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands helped gain support, although concerns were raised about fund spending and existing state funds for DHHL projects. Despite reservations, some council members supported the bill due to the DHHL proposal and expected tax credits for low-income families. The surcharge could generate around $283 million over the past four years and could fund infrastructure projects and reduce the county’s debts. Concerns were raised about the cumulative cost for residents, but county officials estimate that individuals would pay an additional $5 for every $1,000 spent.
Moananuiakea Voyage of the Pacific Begins: Hokule’a Sets Sail on Four-Year Journey.
The Moananuiakea Voyage of the Pacific has officially begun, with the voyaging canoe Hokule’a departing from Statter Harbor in Juneau, Alaska. The journey is expected to last four years and cover 43,000 nautical miles, visiting 36 countries, nearly 100 Indigenous territories, and 345 ports. The voyage received a ceremonial blessing and launch from the Alaska Native community before the departure was delayed for three days due to weather conditions. The crew plans to visit several communities in Southeast Alaska before continuing their journey to British Columbia, the U.S. West Coast, Central and South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, Los Angeles, and finally returning to Hawaii. This is Hokule’a’s 15th major voyage in its first 50 years. More information about the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Moananuiakea Voyage can be found on the website www.Hokulea.com or by following @Hokuleacrew on social media.
Maui County’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 2.5% in May, Outpacing Last Year’s Figures.
In May, Maui County’s non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.5 percent, a decrease from the previous year’s rate of 3.1 percent. It also showed a slight decline compared to the April rate of 2.8 percent. Maui island’s unemployment rate in May was 2.5 percent, down from 3.1 percent a year ago. Molokai experienced a significant decrease in unemployment, with the rate dropping from 8.2 percent in May 2022 to 4.2 percent in May. Lanai had an unemployment rate of 1.5 percent, down from 3.1 percent in the previous year. Honolulu City & County had an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, Hawaii County’s rate was 3 percent, and Kauai County’s rate was 2.5 percent in May. The reported rates were not seasonally adjusted and did not consider seasonal hiring and layoff patterns. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May was 3.1 percent, while the overall U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7 percent. In May, the total seasonally adjusted labor force in Hawaii was 678,800, with 657,450 people employed and 21,400 unemployed. This indicates an increase in employment compared to May 2022, where the labor force was 676,600, with 653,900 employed and 22,750 unemployed.
Wailuku Set to Open New Parking Structure to Alleviate Street Parking Woes and Revitalize Town.
A new four-story parking structure with 393 parking stalls is set to open in Wailuku town on September 1. Prior to the opening, the nearby Church Street will be converted into a two-way street in August to help drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern. The parking garage will have an entrance and exit along Church Street, as well as another entrance from Market Street. Under the proposed plan, residents will receive two hours of free parking, while visitors will pay $1 per hour. Employees of Wailuku businesses can purchase monthly permits. The aim is to increase turnover on Market Street and alleviate the issue of employees taking up prime parking spots. Concerns have been raised about the paid parking proposal, with some viewing it as a burden on working-class individuals. The parking structure will also be used as an events space, and security will be provided by a contracted company.