Volume 3, Number 1
FREE
June, 2026
Frustration Mounts Over Slow Pace Of Repair A
By Taryn Kama
fter months of uncertainty following severe March storms that damaged a critical section of South Kīhei Road, Maui County officials say permanent repairs are moving forward—though the project remains far more complex than a typical road fix. The damaged stretch near Kama'ole Beach Park II and across from Fred’s Mexican Restaurant has become both a traffic conundrum and an economic concern for South Maui businesses and residents who previously relied on the heavily traveled road daily. County officials estimate repairs on the approximately 150-foot damaged section could continue into fall 2026 as crews address extensive underground damage caused by the Kona low storm system earlier this year. While construction advances, residents and business owners say the prolonged closure has disrupted commutes, visitor traffic, and customer access in one of Maui’s busiest tourism districts. The ABC Store in North Kihei has also remained closed since the storm, though officials say it will reopen eventually. “At this time, ABC does not know when that will happen,” said John Mark Mageo, ABC Stores employee relations and government affairs manager. “Customers continue to call asking when we’ll reopen, but right now our main concern is safety.” Mageo said flooding and mud issues in the area have been ongoing during heavy rain events. “When we reopen, we hope there will be improved structural support for the road,” he said. He added that affected employees were reassigned to other ABC locations and remain employed.
“... repairs on the approximately 150-foot damaged section could continue into fall 2026...”
Construction Inc. on May 22. A notice to proceed was scheduled for June 1. County officials said they are awaiting a detailed construction schedule and plan to provide additional updates as work progresses. In the meantime, motorists are More than two months after the record-breaking rainstorms asked to follow posted detours and in March no visible progress in repairing South Kihei Road was allow extra travel time. Officials apparent at press time. Photo by Paul Schumacher emphasized that businesses and residences remain accessible Residents say the detour in South Kihei has created despite the closure. Still, some South Maui business additional traffic problems nearby. owners say reduced visibility and shifting traffic “They detoured traffic to Keonokai and of course patterns continue creating challenges during a that made a new mess of traffic,” said one resident. typically busy visitor season. “Anything to speed up the process of repairing would Others say that the road closure has not affected be great.” their businesses, such as real estate showings. “I do a lot Another nearby resident said, “I live a block of open houses in Kihei, and so far I have not noticed away and it’s frustrating not to be able to drive a major drop in showings because of road damage. It down the street.” has just been a slight inconvenience, but not something According to the County Department of Public that is stopping serious buyers from coming to see Works, record-breaking rainfall overwhelmed the properties,” said Joey Musto, a Maui realtor. area’s drainage system, undermining multiple layers of The sinkhole and roadway collapse occurred after underground infrastructure beneath the roadway. the Kona low delivered unusually heavy rainfall across “The damage from the Kona low impacted Maui in March, damaging roads, drainage systems, and multiple infrastructure systems, requiring a more shoreline areas in several communities. complex repair and redesign focused on long-term County officials say the repairs are being designed stability and resilience,” Mayor Richard Bissen said as a long-term solution rather than a temporary in a county press release. fix, though many residents remain focused on one The county says the project involves roadway question: When will one of South Maui’s major roads reconstruction, drainage redesign, and long-term fully reopen? Y stabilization work intended to better withstand future flooding and erosion. Officials noted that permanent repairs must comply with federal standards tied to emergency funding assistance from Children's Justice Center's Work Continues....3 the Federal Highway Administration, requiring Aloha Maui Pride Festival Events ...........................5 engineering reviews, permitting coordination, and Wailuku Film Fesitval June 17-21...........................7 funding approvals. Construction bids opened May 20, and Maui Events Calendar .........................................8-9 County awarded the contract to P.B. Sullivan
What's Inside:
The ABC Store at 61 S. Kihei Road remains closed but plans to reopen.
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