FAQs
Q: What is a greenway?
A: A greenway is typically a linear park or open space linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with populated areas. For the West Maui Greenway (WMG), the greenway will utilize the Old Sugar Cane rail and cane haul roads as a multi-use corridor, providing safe, off-road connections between key community destinations. The WMG has been identified as a priority project in numerous planning documents, including Maui County’s Long-Term Recovery Plan following the Lahaina fire, and is part of the West Maui Community Plan’s goal for a balanced, connected transportation network. It will also serve as a crucial emergency evacuation route for West Maui’s residents, helping to address the area’s limited highway access.
Q: What is Rails with Trails?
A: Rail-with-trails is an option being considered for portions of the WMG, utilizing the existing Sugar Cane Train tracks. The plan would allow for a pathway alongside the tourist railroad, creating a unique “rails-with-trails” experience. This setup could enhance the greenway’s appeal and connect non-motorized transportation with public transit options, such as excursion trains. Additionally, segments of the abandoned cane haul roads are also being considered for parts of the WMG.
Q: Who uses a multiple-use greenway?
A: The WMG is envisioned as a multi-use trail accommodating a variety of users—people commuting to work, heading to stores, enjoying outdoor exercise, or meeting up with friends. The trail is designed to be a shared community pathway, welcoming people of all ages, abilities, and devices, including those with disabilities. The WMG aims to be an inclusive, safe, and accessible space for all members of the community.
Q: Who builds the greenway?
A: The West Maui Greenway will be developed by public agencies, with Maui County’s Office of Recovery and the Department of Public Works as project leads. Public agencies typically plan, design, and construct greenways, sometimes hiring independent construction companies. The County has shown support for planning and constructing the WMG, but sustained public support and advocacy remain critical. Community organizations, such as the West Maui Greenway Alliance and the nonprofit Maui Bicycling League, play essential roles in ensuring the project’s success through advocacy, funding, and ongoing engagement.
Q: Why do we need a greenway in West Maui?
A: The West Maui Greenway will provide West Maui residents and visitors with safe, off-road options for recreation and transportation, promoting physical activity and reducing car trips. Importantly, WMG also serves as a key resilience feature for the community. The tragic Lahaina fire in August 2023 underscored the urgent need for emergency evacuation routes, with over $5.5 billion in damages, the loss of more than 2,200 structures, and over 100 lives lost. West Maui’s limited two-lane highway access makes an alternative evacuation route essential. The WMG is designed to function as a reliable escape route during emergencies, enhancing community safety while also supporting local connectivity and environmental goals.
Q: How long has the West Maui Greenway been planned?
A: The concept of the West Maui Greenway (WMG) has been discussed and included in official plans for decades, yet its implementation remains overdue. Since 1974, when the Bike Plan Hawaii Master Plan first recommended bike-friendly infrastructure across the islands, the WMG has been identified as a vital project. In the 2003 update to the Bike Plan Hawaii Master Plan, it was even listed as a Priority One project to be completed within ten years. Despite its longstanding inclusion in state and county plans, the project has yet to be realized.
Several legislative actions and planning efforts have reinforced the need for projects like WMG:
However, despite decades of advocacy, planning, and legislative support, progress on implementation has been painfully slow. This is particularly concerning given the growing urgency for safe, alternative transportation options and emergency evacuation routes. The devastating Lahaina fire of August 2023 highlighted the dire consequences of insufficient infrastructure, with over 100 lives lost, more than 2,200 structures destroyed, and $5.5 billion in damages.
The WMG is now included in Maui County’s Lahaina Long-Term Recovery Plan, with a tentative six-year timeline for implementation. While this is a step forward, the long delays underscore the need for greater urgency and commitment from local and state leaders. The West Maui Greenway is not just a recreational amenity—it is a critical infrastructure project that addresses safety, sustainability, and resilience for the community.
Q: What is the current status of the West Maui Greenway?
A: The West Maui Greenway project is currently in the planning and design phases, with the Maui County Office of Recovery and Department of Public Works as the lead agencies. The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has developed a Master Plan in collaboration with planning firms, outlining a preferred route alignment, proposed trail types, and implementation strategies. With federal funding secured for the planning stage, the project is now focused on advancing public support, securing further funding for construction, and finalizing design details
Q: How can I get involved?
A: There are several ways to support the West Maui Greenway project! You can help spread awareness by sharing our website and social media pages with friends and family. We also welcome volunteers to assist with fundraising, marketing, and advocacy efforts for the greenway. Additionally, you can support the project financially with a tax-deductible donation through the Maui Bicycling League. Your support brings us closer to a safer, more connected, and resilient West Maui
A: A greenway is typically a linear park or open space linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with populated areas. For the West Maui Greenway (WMG), the greenway will utilize the Old Sugar Cane rail and cane haul roads as a multi-use corridor, providing safe, off-road connections between key community destinations. The WMG has been identified as a priority project in numerous planning documents, including Maui County’s Long-Term Recovery Plan following the Lahaina fire, and is part of the West Maui Community Plan’s goal for a balanced, connected transportation network. It will also serve as a crucial emergency evacuation route for West Maui’s residents, helping to address the area’s limited highway access.
Q: What is Rails with Trails?
A: Rail-with-trails is an option being considered for portions of the WMG, utilizing the existing Sugar Cane Train tracks. The plan would allow for a pathway alongside the tourist railroad, creating a unique “rails-with-trails” experience. This setup could enhance the greenway’s appeal and connect non-motorized transportation with public transit options, such as excursion trains. Additionally, segments of the abandoned cane haul roads are also being considered for parts of the WMG.
Q: Who uses a multiple-use greenway?
A: The WMG is envisioned as a multi-use trail accommodating a variety of users—people commuting to work, heading to stores, enjoying outdoor exercise, or meeting up with friends. The trail is designed to be a shared community pathway, welcoming people of all ages, abilities, and devices, including those with disabilities. The WMG aims to be an inclusive, safe, and accessible space for all members of the community.
Q: Who builds the greenway?
A: The West Maui Greenway will be developed by public agencies, with Maui County’s Office of Recovery and the Department of Public Works as project leads. Public agencies typically plan, design, and construct greenways, sometimes hiring independent construction companies. The County has shown support for planning and constructing the WMG, but sustained public support and advocacy remain critical. Community organizations, such as the West Maui Greenway Alliance and the nonprofit Maui Bicycling League, play essential roles in ensuring the project’s success through advocacy, funding, and ongoing engagement.
Q: Why do we need a greenway in West Maui?
A: The West Maui Greenway will provide West Maui residents and visitors with safe, off-road options for recreation and transportation, promoting physical activity and reducing car trips. Importantly, WMG also serves as a key resilience feature for the community. The tragic Lahaina fire in August 2023 underscored the urgent need for emergency evacuation routes, with over $5.5 billion in damages, the loss of more than 2,200 structures, and over 100 lives lost. West Maui’s limited two-lane highway access makes an alternative evacuation route essential. The WMG is designed to function as a reliable escape route during emergencies, enhancing community safety while also supporting local connectivity and environmental goals.
Q: How long has the West Maui Greenway been planned?
A: The concept of the West Maui Greenway (WMG) has been discussed and included in official plans for decades, yet its implementation remains overdue. Since 1974, when the Bike Plan Hawaii Master Plan first recommended bike-friendly infrastructure across the islands, the WMG has been identified as a vital project. In the 2003 update to the Bike Plan Hawaii Master Plan, it was even listed as a Priority One project to be completed within ten years. Despite its longstanding inclusion in state and county plans, the project has yet to be realized.
Several legislative actions and planning efforts have reinforced the need for projects like WMG:
- Act 54 (2009): Required the State and counties to adopt a "Complete Streets" policy to ensure safe mobility for all highway users, laying the groundwork for multimodal projects like WMG.
- Vision Zero Proclamation (2018): A proclamation by Maui’s mayor in honor of a cyclist killed on Piilani Highway, emphasizing the critical need for protected pathways.
- ACT 757 Vision Zero (2021): Established a statewide Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic fatalities, reiterating the importance of multimodal infrastructure like WMG.
- Act 131 (2021): Directed the modernization of Hawaii’s ground transportation infrastructure with a focus on safety, accessibility, and sustainability, further aligning with the goals of the WMG.
- Resolution 92-04 (1991): Called for reduced automobile dependency and supported a county-wide network of bikeways and pedestrian paths.
However, despite decades of advocacy, planning, and legislative support, progress on implementation has been painfully slow. This is particularly concerning given the growing urgency for safe, alternative transportation options and emergency evacuation routes. The devastating Lahaina fire of August 2023 highlighted the dire consequences of insufficient infrastructure, with over 100 lives lost, more than 2,200 structures destroyed, and $5.5 billion in damages.
The WMG is now included in Maui County’s Lahaina Long-Term Recovery Plan, with a tentative six-year timeline for implementation. While this is a step forward, the long delays underscore the need for greater urgency and commitment from local and state leaders. The West Maui Greenway is not just a recreational amenity—it is a critical infrastructure project that addresses safety, sustainability, and resilience for the community.
Q: What is the current status of the West Maui Greenway?
A: The West Maui Greenway project is currently in the planning and design phases, with the Maui County Office of Recovery and Department of Public Works as the lead agencies. The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has developed a Master Plan in collaboration with planning firms, outlining a preferred route alignment, proposed trail types, and implementation strategies. With federal funding secured for the planning stage, the project is now focused on advancing public support, securing further funding for construction, and finalizing design details
Q: How can I get involved?
A: There are several ways to support the West Maui Greenway project! You can help spread awareness by sharing our website and social media pages with friends and family. We also welcome volunteers to assist with fundraising, marketing, and advocacy efforts for the greenway. Additionally, you can support the project financially with a tax-deductible donation through the Maui Bicycling League. Your support brings us closer to a safer, more connected, and resilient West Maui