The Hawaii Department of Transportation has declared a traffic emergency in West Maui because king tides have eroded portions of Honoapiilani Highway near Olowalu. Plans are underway to realign the highway, but construction is still years away. So, for now, the state is using temporary solutions to stabilize the road like mesh bags filled with sand and rock and barricades. While the bags and barricades are temporary solutions, transportation officials say it is the best-case scenario for an immediate fix. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said plans are underway to realign the highway for a more permanent solution. He said DOT is going through the environmental and design processes now. Realignment of the highway is expected to cost up to $270 million.
