Olowalu Shoreline Hardening Passes Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved State DOT’s request for state’s requests for a special management area permit and a shoreline setback variance to protect the highway on  Lahaina side of the Pali  in Olowalu. DOT will install a blanket of plastic-like fiber over the beach and shoreline and place 2-4 ton boulders. DOT intends to “harden” the beach at Milepost 15 and prevent waves from undermining the roadway. The state also plans to widen the highway’s shoulder on the 900-foot stretch as well as install new concrete barriers on the makai side of the highway between Launiupoko and Hekili points. Eventually DOT plans on widening Honoapiilani Highway and moving it farther inland, at an estimated to cost more than $450 million, (80 percent from the federal government.) An EIS for the realignment project is moving ahead despite uncertainty about funding. Planning Commission Chairman Kent Hiranaga said the placement of the boulders would not impact the surfing spots. Read more in Chris Hamilton’s Maui News article