FAQs
Q: What is a greenway?
A: A greenway is typically a linear park or linear open space linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with each other and with populated areas. For the West Maui Greenway, it will utilize the Old Sugar Cane rail and/or cane haul roads as a converted use. The West Maui Greenway has been identified in numerous planning documents over the years and can become an essential recreational and alternative transportation route for West Maui. The WMG will also serve as an important emergency evacuation route given West Maui's geographical contraints.
Q: Who uses a multiple-use greenway?
A: The WMG is currently envisioned as a multi-use trail. This means that it would accommodate different types of users from someone commuting to work, going to the store, to get outside for exercise, or to meet up with friends. It is aimed to be a shared community pathway. The trail should, to the greatest extent possible, meet the needs of various users, including different devices, various ages, and a range of abilities so everyone benefits, including those with disabilities.
Q: Who builds the greenway?
A: Generally, a public agency will plan, design and build the greenway. The agency develops it using its own labor and equipment or hires an independent construction company. In a few cases, groups of citizen volunteers have constructed trails. Trails are generally managed by public agencies, but some are operated by other types of organizations, such as the nonprofit "Friends of the Trail" citizen groups, land trusts and community foundations. The County of Maui has indicated support of planning, designing and building the greenway, as long as there is public support for the effort. This is why the West Maui Greenway Alliance is so important. Continued advocacy and progress is often needed to keep the project as an important public amenity that will benefit residents and visitors.
Q: Why do we need a greenway in West Maui?
A: The West Maui Greenway offers a unique opportunity to expand opportunities for locals and visitors to safely get outside for recreation and/or for transportation. The West Maui Greenway is proposed on existing abandoned roads that will allow people of all ages to ride a bike, walk, or just exercise away from busy roads and traffic. The WMG project is also poised to play a pivotal role in elevating our community's safety by ensuring a reliable escape route during emergencies.
Q: What is Rail with Trails?
A: Rails with trails is one option for a portion of the West Maui Greenway. Adjacent to the existing Sugar Train Tracks in West Maui, there is a wide, paved pathway or room for a pathway alongside the tracks. This is an operation that could run alongside the tourist railroad/attraction and slow-moving excursion trains. Rails-with-trails can also provide a unique opportunity for connecting non-motorized transportation with public transportation, such as when a trail leads to a train station. Options are being considered that look at this option, as well as an option to use the existing cane haul road.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: There are several ways to support the West Maui Greenway Project! You can start by sharing our website and Facebook page to spread the word about the WMG with your friends. We are also always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the fundraising, marketing and advocacy for the greenway. There are also opportunities to support the project financially by providing a tax-deductible donation to Maui Bicycling League.
A: A greenway is typically a linear park or linear open space linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with each other and with populated areas. For the West Maui Greenway, it will utilize the Old Sugar Cane rail and/or cane haul roads as a converted use. The West Maui Greenway has been identified in numerous planning documents over the years and can become an essential recreational and alternative transportation route for West Maui. The WMG will also serve as an important emergency evacuation route given West Maui's geographical contraints.
Q: Who uses a multiple-use greenway?
A: The WMG is currently envisioned as a multi-use trail. This means that it would accommodate different types of users from someone commuting to work, going to the store, to get outside for exercise, or to meet up with friends. It is aimed to be a shared community pathway. The trail should, to the greatest extent possible, meet the needs of various users, including different devices, various ages, and a range of abilities so everyone benefits, including those with disabilities.
Q: Who builds the greenway?
A: Generally, a public agency will plan, design and build the greenway. The agency develops it using its own labor and equipment or hires an independent construction company. In a few cases, groups of citizen volunteers have constructed trails. Trails are generally managed by public agencies, but some are operated by other types of organizations, such as the nonprofit "Friends of the Trail" citizen groups, land trusts and community foundations. The County of Maui has indicated support of planning, designing and building the greenway, as long as there is public support for the effort. This is why the West Maui Greenway Alliance is so important. Continued advocacy and progress is often needed to keep the project as an important public amenity that will benefit residents and visitors.
Q: Why do we need a greenway in West Maui?
A: The West Maui Greenway offers a unique opportunity to expand opportunities for locals and visitors to safely get outside for recreation and/or for transportation. The West Maui Greenway is proposed on existing abandoned roads that will allow people of all ages to ride a bike, walk, or just exercise away from busy roads and traffic. The WMG project is also poised to play a pivotal role in elevating our community's safety by ensuring a reliable escape route during emergencies.
Q: What is Rail with Trails?
A: Rails with trails is one option for a portion of the West Maui Greenway. Adjacent to the existing Sugar Train Tracks in West Maui, there is a wide, paved pathway or room for a pathway alongside the tracks. This is an operation that could run alongside the tourist railroad/attraction and slow-moving excursion trains. Rails-with-trails can also provide a unique opportunity for connecting non-motorized transportation with public transportation, such as when a trail leads to a train station. Options are being considered that look at this option, as well as an option to use the existing cane haul road.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: There are several ways to support the West Maui Greenway Project! You can start by sharing our website and Facebook page to spread the word about the WMG with your friends. We are also always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the fundraising, marketing and advocacy for the greenway. There are also opportunities to support the project financially by providing a tax-deductible donation to Maui Bicycling League.