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The West Maui Greenway is a proposed 25-mile, multi-use trail that will transform the abandoned cane haul road into a scenic, recreational corridor connecting Maui’s residents and visitors to outdoor spaces and community destinations. Designed as a safe, family-friendly space, this greenway offers an alternative to the heavy traffic along the Honoapiilani Highway, linking communities while providing an option for active transportation.
The greenway also presents an opportunity to address critical issues such as reducing carborne emissions, creating an essential evacuation route during emergencies, and establishing a barrier to protect our communities. The 2023 Lahaina fire tragedy has underscored the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. The West Maui Greenway stands as a critical project for the community’s safety and sustainability, offering a secure evacuation path in times of crisis. We have a unique opportunity before us—one that may not come again in our lifetime—to make this vision a reality and ensure a greener, more connected West Maui. MissionThe mission of the West Maui Greenway is to foster a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community that encourages residents and visitors to reduce car trips and embrace an active, healthy lifestyle. The greenway will provide not only a recreational and cultural experience but also a sustainable transportation solution for Maui, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the enhancement of local quality of life
HistoryMaui’s relationship with railroads began in 1890, when the Pioneer Mill Company built a short rail system to transport sugar cane from fields to the mill. Though the railway closed around 1950, remnants of the cane haul roads that serviced the plantations still criss-cross the plains surrounding the West Maui Mountains from Ukumehame to Kapalua. Many of these roads have been left unused, presenting an opportunity to repurpose sections of them into a dedicated greenway, running parallel to the Honoapiilani Highway and creating an alternate route during emergencies.
The abandoned cane haul roads offer an ideal base for the West Maui Greenway, providing a scenic, safe corridor for cycling, walking, and other non-motorized activities. The greenway represents a significant advancement in Maui’s transportation and environmental planning, adding critical infrastructure for future resilience. Planning and Community SupportSince 1994, numerous plans have emphasized the importance of establishing bicycle and pedestrian pathways on Maui. These plans include:
Each of these initiatives supports the vision of creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for Maui’s residents. The West Maui Greenway is a community-driven project that responds to the current challenges of climate resilience and offers a vital, long-needed route for safety, sustainability, and a connected West Maui. |
Civil Beat | Oct 4, 2023 | Could West Maui’s Old Cane Haul Road Have Helped More People Escape The Fire?
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Call to Action
The vision of the West Maui Greenway depends on community support. We invite residents, visitors, businesses, and local organizations to join us in making this transformative project a reality. By supporting the West Maui Greenway, you are contributing to a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for all of Maui.
Here’s how you can help:
Together, we can make the West Maui Greenway a reality—a lasting legacy for generations to come, creating safe spaces for outdoor recreation, connecting our communities, and building a pathway to a more sustainable future for Maui. Let’s make history together! For more information and to get involved, please reach out to West Maui Greenway Alliance at Contact Us.
Here’s how you can help:
- Stay Informed and Spread the Word: Follow our updates, attend community meetings, and share information about the West Maui Greenway with friends, family, and your network.
- Advocate for Funding and Support: Reach out to local and state officials, and voice your support for safe, green infrastructure that prioritizes active transportation and climate resilience.
- Volunteer with Us: The West Maui Greenway is a community effort, and we welcome volunteers to help with outreach, events, and advocacy.
- Donate: Financial support is critical to move the project forward. Donations directly fund advocacy, planning, and outreach efforts that bring us closer to breaking ground on the greenway.
Together, we can make the West Maui Greenway a reality—a lasting legacy for generations to come, creating safe spaces for outdoor recreation, connecting our communities, and building a pathway to a more sustainable future for Maui. Let’s make history together! For more information and to get involved, please reach out to West Maui Greenway Alliance at Contact Us.