A Turning Point for Hawaiʻi
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In June 2024, a historic climate settlement was reached between the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) and 13 youth plaintiffs in the Navahine v. Hawaiʻi DOT case. This agreement represents a bold commitment to reducing carbon emissions, modernizing transportation infrastructure, and ensuring a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi.
The West Maui Greenway (WMG) aligns perfectly with the settlement’s goals. As a proposed 25-mile multi-use pathway, WMG offers a safe, accessible route for walking and biking, reduces vehicle emissions, and serves as a vital component of Maui’s emergency preparedness strategy. |
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Why the West Maui Greenway Matters
Resilience Through Action
The tragic Lahaina fire of August 2023 underscored the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. With over 100 lives lost, 2,200 structures destroyed, and $5.5 billion in damages, it became clear that West Maui’s current transportation system—dependent on a single two-lane highway—is not enough.
The West Maui Greenway is more than a recreational trail. It provides:
The tragic Lahaina fire of August 2023 underscored the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. With over 100 lives lost, 2,200 structures destroyed, and $5.5 billion in damages, it became clear that West Maui’s current transportation system—dependent on a single two-lane highway—is not enough.
The West Maui Greenway is more than a recreational trail. It provides:
- An Emergency Evacuation Route to ensure safe passage during natural disasters.
- A Fire Barrier to protect vulnerable areas and slow fire spread.
- A Carbon-Reduction Pathway that encourages active transportation over vehicle use.
A Vision for the Future
The WMG is part of Hawaiʻi’s broader effort to build a safe, sustainable transportation network. It aligns with the Navahine settlement, Vision Zero initiatives, and state policies like Act 131, which call for infrastructure that protects public health, livability, and resilience.
The WMG is part of Hawaiʻi’s broader effort to build a safe, sustainable transportation network. It aligns with the Navahine settlement, Vision Zero initiatives, and state policies like Act 131, which call for infrastructure that protects public health, livability, and resilience.
How the Settlement Advances Hawaiʻi’s Goals
The Navahine settlement reinforces state policies and supports projects like the West Maui Greenway that address:
- Climate Action: Reducing emissions through multimodal transportation.
- Safety and Equity: Ensuring infrastructure serves all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and vulnerable populations.
- Resilience: Preparing communities for climate-related disasters with safe evacuation routes and fire mitigation strategies.
Take Action: Support the West Maui Greenway
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Your voice can make a difference. Together, we can ensure the WMG becomes a reality.
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Explore More
- For Government Officials: Learn how the WMG addresses key state and county priorities, including climate action and emergency preparedness.
- For Young Adults: Discover how WMG empowers Hawaiʻi’s youth to lead the charge for sustainability and safer communities.
- For Local Residents: See how WMG connects neighborhoods, improves safety, and enhances quality of life for West Maui.
Resources
Dive deeper into the vision for the West Maui Greenway and its alignment with Hawaiʻi’s climate and transportation goals:
What’s Next for WMG?
The WMG Master Plan is complete, but critical steps remain: securing funding, completing permitting, and advancing to the construction phase. Public support is key to ensuring this vital project becomes a reality.
Together, we can honor the lessons learned from Lahaina and build a legacy of safety, sustainability, and resilience for future generations.
Together, we can honor the lessons learned from Lahaina and build a legacy of safety, sustainability, and resilience for future generations.