Jan 2022 Updates: Councilmember Sinenci

By Councilmember Shane Sinenci

Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!

It is with great pleasure that I address the Kaupō Community via this newsletter. It is so important to reach out to our local neighbors and extend our kōkua whenever we can, particularly during these challenging times. That said, I wanted to thank those who have reached out to our office. We are always happy to answer any questions that you may have or connect you to the appropriate agencies.

As always, Pi‘ilani Highway remains an important lifeline for residents and visitors alike. The railing and revetment project at Kalepa continues to be the main County CIP project on the highway, and we will inform you as the project begins construction.

Mrs. Susie Pu, a commissioner on the Cost of Government committee, has been a great advocate for addressing the issues of Highway 31. Commissioner Pu highlighted areas of need along the highway including the need for paving and the lack of safety guardrails, reflective signage, and roadside berms along the cliff-side of the road. As a result, our office has included a funding proposal in the recent Maui Legislative package to the State for $20 million for the ongoing maintenance of the road and to expedite much needed capital projects to improve the road. Our proposal, now in the hands of the legislature, we hope will attract the attention of our state lawmakers and the Department of Transportation, in order to bring federal funding to Highway 31. Reaching out to our state delegation will be important to garner support during this upcoming legislative session.

Other anticipated highway projects that may affect your travel, depending on which direction you are going, will be the paving and new pipeline installation at Maka‘alae toward the Hāna side and the Ulupalakua scheduled paving project.

Again, mahalo nui loa for this opportunity to address you and I look forward to continuing to work with the Kaupō community. May 2022 bring you renewed connections with each other and bring you continued health and safety throughout the year!

Councilmember Shane Sinenci

Shane Sinenci

Shane Sinenci is the East Maui Council Representative. He chairs the Agriculture and Public Trust committee. His recent work on the Council include the 30 year Water Use and Development Plan, and the creation of the first-ever Department of Agriculture. Shane has been a special needs teacher for 20 years at Hāna High School, prior to serving in public office. His past experiences in his community include serving on the Hāna Community Association, the Hāna Community Advisory committee to the Planning department, ‘Aha Moku Hāna Council, and coaching AYSO soccer and High School Volleyball and Tennis. Shane earned his Teaching and Administrative degrees at Chaminade University of Honolulu and an Architectural degree at the University of Oregon.

Pi‘ilani Highway runs along the east side of Maui between Ulupalakua and Hāna, and passes through Kaupō. Residents and visitors use it to traverse the wild terrain. Though curvy and at times dangerous, the drive is incredibly beautiful, and the value outweighs the risk.

Reaching out to our state delegation will be important to garner support during this ‘‘upcoming legislative season.