Techniques and Devices for “Traffic Calming” in South Maui
3/1/20 #kihei
There’s no doubt that slower vehicles make roads safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.
But what is the best way to persuade motorists to reduce speeds without creating traffic congestion?
“Traffic calming” techniques use physical devices to accomplish these goals. These physical devices help slow down traffic without forcing drivers to make a complete stop.
For example, speed humps, speed cushions, speed tables, and radar signs have all been shown to be effective at reducing vehicle speeds and drivers are not required to wait or make a complete stop.
Roundabouts also slow traffic and prevent, or at least greatly reduce, major accidents.
The Kihei Community Association has been a strong advocate for techniques like this since the 1990’s. We will continue this support in 2020.
The KCA was instrumental in getting the only roundabout in the county at Pi’ikea and Liloa, and the Association also called for a series of them at each intersection along Kaonoulu.
Recently, there had been a great chance for one at Alulike and Kaonoulu, but Maui County Public Works advised the public that the intersection was not large enough to construct a proper roundabout unless private property was taken.
So, they are making the intersection more narrow by extending sidewalk area out into current roadway, which narrows the driving lane.
Traffic engineers have found drivers reflexively drive slower when they have less width.
Construction continues this month.
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YES ,YES, Yes … Please slow them down. Ever since I bought our home (6) yrs. ago on E. Lipoa st , between S. Kihei rd and Piilani Hwy , I’ve marveled at the fact no one has been killed. When you think about the residential area’s ,the business’s ,the pool , DMV , Recreation ctr. and of course the elementary school. The speed limit is not conducive to the area. the school area speed is posted at 20 mph ,otherwise its 30. Trust me , nobody does under 30 on this street. When they finished repaving last summer we go even faster. There are NO pedestrian crosswalks between the school and S. Kihei rd. “Thats a good quarter of a mile. I noted …ALL parallel streets (running from s. Kihei rd the Piilani Hwy are 20mph ,and either have speed bumbs or roundabouts to slow the traffic. Its time for E. Lipoa st to be next , we care about our residents / shoppers. We also need to consider a full time crossing guard for the children at school crossing .Please move this concern up on your “MUST DO LIST “
Mahalo for your input Tom. We have no “must do list,” as we are not empowered to DO anything. We are a 100% all volunteer unfunded non profit membership organization. If you want something done, contact government officials who are paid to do what citizens need. Have you contacted the mayor? Public Works Director? Have you united with neighbors to advocate your to do list? That is how you have a chance to get what you want. Our volunteer member and directors are already overwhelmed. Aloha
Aloha Mr Moran , Please pardon my late response to your comment on my comment of March 1,2020 . My physical limitations are some what a burden at my age and getting around to my many concerns takes longer to get to than i’d like, I want you to know ,how much I appreciate your responding to my letter. I’m sure you get your share of “To do list” and should do suggestions. My intention was what I call “Food for thought”. Thank you for setting me straight as to KCA being a 100% volunteer ,unfunded non profit . Rereading your comment I cant help but feel ,I ‘m being told “there’s nothing we can do for you ,take your concerns to the mayor , DPW. or other public officials. I am disappointed here ,at the very least ,one might consider saying , We hear your concerns , and thank you for sharing them with us . We are limited but , we will pass your concerns on to those who would be more in a position to act on them. Hopefully others who think making /sharing any concerns with KCA will be waste of time,,so why bother ,I really hope not . I wish all success in your future as a volunteer for the Kihei community. Aloha !