Urging The County Of Maui To Prioritize The Development And Planning Of The Northern Terminus Of The Kihei North-south Collector Road.
Summary
SR22 is a Senate resolution urging the County of Maui to prioritize planning and development of the northern terminus of the Kihei North-South Collector Road. The resolution describes the road as a long-planned transportation corridor intended to provide an alternative north-south route through Kihei, reduce congestion on South Kihei Road and Piilani Highway, and improve access for residents, visitors, and emergency responders.
The resolution also asks Maui County to work with the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Maui County Planning Department, and the Maui County Council to identify and designate the terminus location. It further requests a status report to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session and directs that copies be sent to key county and planning officials.
Impact
SR22 does not change state statutes or create a binding mandate; it is a nonbinding legislative request directed at Maui County and related planning entities. Its practical impact is to place legislative pressure on local officials to advance transportation planning for the Kihei corridor, coordinate on route alignment, and report progress back to the Legislature. The resolution highlights the importance of infrastructure planning in response to congestion, growth, and public safety concerns in South Maui.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the bill appears supportive and pragmatic. The resolution passed the Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee unanimously, 4-0, with amendments, suggesting broad agreement that the issue is important and worthy of legislative attention. The bill’s findings frame the project as necessary for traffic relief, emergency access, and future growth management.
Contention
The main point of contention is not opposition to the road concept itself, but the unresolved planning question of where the northern terminus should be located and how quickly the project should advance. The resolution emphasizes that prior funding, including a federal grant for Liloa Drive, has not yet produced a defined terminus, implying frustration with slow progress. Any debate is likely centered on local planning coordination, land use, infrastructure priorities, and the feasibility of integrating the road with existing and planned transportation networks.