THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	65
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the county of maui and the united states army corps of engineers to prioritize and expedite the planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the kulanihakoi bridge.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the Kulanihakoi Bridge, located in South Maui, serves as a critical infrastructure component, facilitating transportation and connectivity for residents and visitors alike; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Kulanihakoi Bridge was first constructed in 1911 and consisted of four individual reinforced concrete box culverts, which were paved in the 1930's, making the foundation of the bridge one hundred fourteen years old; and

 

     WHEREAS, in 2018, plans were initiated to replace the deteriorating box culverts at the Kulanihakoi River Gulch with a raised bridge to improve safety and resilience; and

 

     WHEREAS, the initial project faced significant challenges, including the revelation that proposed temporary road crossings mauka of the South Kihei Road were not permissible under existing flood development regulations, leading to project delays and the need for redesign; and

 

     WHEREAS, community organizations, such as the Kihei Community Association, have long advocated for a more cost‑effective and improved solution to replace the deteriorated box culverts in the Kulanihakoi River Gulch with a raised bridge, eliminating the need for temporary structures in the riverbed; and

 

     WHEREAS, the current temporary construction solution at the Kulanihakoi Bridge may not provide the necessary long-term reliability and safety required for the region's infrastructure needs; and

 

     WHEREAS, a permanent replacement of the Kulanihakoi Bridge would enhance transportation safety, improve flood management, and support the economic vitality of South Maui; and

 

     WHEREAS, collaboration between the County of Maui and the United States Army Corps of Engineers is essential to design and implement a permanent bridge solution that meets federal, state, and local standards; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the County of Maui and the United States Army Corps of Engineers are urged to prioritize and expedite the planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the Kulanihakoi Bridge; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body urges the County of Maui and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to engage with local communities, stakeholders, and experts to ensure the new bridge design addresses environmental concerns, cultural significance, and community needs; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division, Director of Transportation, Mayor of the County of Maui, and Chairperson of the Maui County Council.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

County of Maui; United States Army Corps of Engineers; Kulanihakoi Bridge