The Kihei roundabout traffic is terrible. Children's lives are at stake!

Here is a 2026 update:

The roundabout: Going to school should not be a dangerous game of ‘Frogger’.

History: In 2013 the State Land Use Commission required a grade separated crossing to protect students, as a condition of building Kūlanihāko'i High School in Kīhei. DOT blatantly ignores the Land Use Commission District Boundary Amendment of July 29, 2013, in Docket A11-794, illegally under both HRS and HAR. I have complained to HIDOT Director Sniffen and requested a meeting with our Governor. 

There have been public meetings showing the G70 design, yet NOTHING is being built.

Not only has DOT blatantly ignored the Land Use Commission District Boundary Amendment of July 29, 2013, in Docket A11-794, but they continue to do so, possibly illegally under both HRS and HAR. 

Let me be clear,  the (new) raised crosswalk is going to further delay traffic, does not sufficiently protect our students and does not satisfy the State LUC ruling. Going to school should not be a game of ‘Frogger’.  Our community and especially our schools should be safely walkable and bikeable for all users.

Clearly slowing traffic more is a half measure that does little to protect children (or adults) who need to cross, but also exacerbates the Pi'ilani traffic issues.

HIDOT manages the federal ‘Safe Routes to School’ (SRTS) program, which has the stated goal of ‘Enabling and encouraging children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school.’

I have again written to Superintendent Hayashi and Director Sniffen to complain, to ask about GSPC status and Joe requested a new direct meeting for me with Governor Green to see what we can do about these 2 agencies that are under his control.

Terez, May 26 2026

June 1 update:  I met with Governor Green.  I asked him to speak to his employee HI-DOT Director Sniffen.  Josh simply said to write again to Director Sniffen (who never replied as promised) and to copy Josh.  

2025 Update:

The current scheme requiring a bus to drop students at  Kulanihako'i High School is a good workaround but temporary.  I have requested Federal funds to build a Grade separated crossing so that we can save local tax dollars..

As a mother of 4 who grew up on Maui here is what I had to say in the Maui News in 2022:

Protect our Keiki!

We've been waiting for this much needed school since I grew up in Kihei. My kids waited too. 

I insist on safe passage for children across Pi'ilani highway at our new High-school.

We can not compromise on this. I'll camp out at the DOT and DOE until they show they value the lives of our children and create safe passage that doesn't slow traffic.   Why is DOE not doing this when this is already a requirement by the Land Use Commission?

This is not a game of frogger.  Lives are at stake! 

And I will NEVER take a penny from any corporation or lobbyist. 
Because I am     #WorkingForThePeople        I am working for YOU!

I am a Democrat.  Please re-elect for me as your South Maui Representative.
Mahalo!
Terez
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Terez Amato (T.Amato)
Learn more about me at www.TAmato.org
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