UPDATE  9/26/13  We checked on the veracity of this report this afternoon, and found Ho’okele Street was only open as far as Puluehu Rd., not Hana Hwy as advised, although indicators are it will not be long. But it is a smooth modern four lane road. To get to Hana Hwy from Mokulele or reverse, you need to use Puluehu Rd

For years most of our South Maui residents heading upcountry somewhat reluctantly took the cutoff at the Sugar Mill to use poor old Hanson Rd rather than the congested crowded, and longer Dairy Road, but starting tomorrow (9/26/13) the alternative of a mostly brand new, mostly uncrowded Ho’okele will be right in between, and seeming the most preferred. Yes, you will need to travel a bit further on both highways than using Hansen Rd, but the plethora of complaints about the condition of the former private road  indicate most drivers” will go the extra mile.”