For immediate release: Jan. 23, 2024
Press release by:
Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Pam Eaton, Executive Director
mauimpo.org
Transportation safety is a priority for South Maui’s Vision Zero Week in February
KIHEI, Maui – The public is invited to participate in a series of events for South Maui’s Vision Zero Week on February 12 to 14, which is designed to highlight transportation safety issues in the community. Vision Zero Maui is an initiative to end fatalities and serious injuries caused by traffic crashes on Maui by 2040.
Every year, an average of 18 people on Maui lose their lives in traffic crashes, and over 100 people are injured in crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians. It is imperative that transportation policies, planning, projects, and programs effectively encourage a culture of safety in the community and change the conditions that lead to these preventable crashes. Maui MPO and its partners believe that the only acceptable number of traffic injuries and fatalities is ZERO.
“The rise of traffic-related injuries and fatalities in the past year is alarming,” said Pam Eaton, executive director of Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). “But we have to remember that through a more collaborative and inclusive approach, improved street designs and coordinated effort, they are preventable.
“While we have many partner agencies advocating for safer infrastructure, safer driving, walking and cycling behavior, even policy changes, we want to help convene the community and partners to encourage these types of behaviors and transportation modalities in our community and start solving these important issues collaboratively.”
The events include:
Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
A free bike tour will be arranged for people that want to experience South Maui on two wheels. Meet-up details will be provided to those who register. Registration is required and limited to 15 people.
Kihei Bike Path
- South Maui Vision Zero Transportation Safety Summit
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 at Pro Arts Playhouse Maui
The South Maui Vision Zero Safety Summit will be held and includes a gathering of leaders, advocates and members of the public engaged in a full day event featuring presentations on best practices, projects, programs, policies and solutions promoting road safety for all users regardless of age and abilities. Agency representatives from Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Oregon and Massachusetts will discuss the successes within their programs, including key lessons learned.
- Walking Tours
- Monday, February 12 at 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Join walking tours led in select areas in South Maui to collect data and identify threats to road safety. All walking tours are interdisciplinary and inclusive, fit for anyone willing to join. Meet-up details will be provided to those who register. Registration is required.
Mark Fenton leads a walk audit, “Hey, where are the high visibility crosswalks to get to the bus stop?”
- South Maui Quick Build Project (Dates TBA)
A collaborative effort to design and implement a street art project at the intersection of Kenolio St. and Aulike Road, which features improvements to incorporate public art to make the area safer and more vibrant. More information and opportunities to participate shall be announced later.
Kahului Quick Build Project in 2021 in Papa Avenue and Māʻalo Street.
All the events are FREE and open to the public, but registration is required. Details such as times and locations, speakers and ways to participate can be reviewed on our website at mauimpo.org.
Maui MPO published the Vision Zero Maui Action Plan in March, 2021, which focuses on addressing seven key goals:
- Eliminate impaired driving
- Create safe speeds
- Eliminate distracted driving
- Create a safety culture
- Build safe streets for everyone
- Institutionalize Vision Zero, and
- Improve Data to Support Decisions
South Maui Vision Zero Week is presented by Maui MPO and its partners the Hawaii Public Health Institute, ProArts Playhouse Maui, Ulupono Initiative, Kihei Community Association, the County of Maui, and the Hawaii Department of Health.
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