Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi – Representative Cedric Gates (D-45 Wai‘anae, Mākaha) issued the following statement:
"It is with much relief that the Waiʻanae Coast Emergency Access Road is planned to open in spring 2025. As a state legislator and lifelong Waiʻanae resident, I have advocated for this project for over eight years. Every day, our residents deal with traffic along Farrington Highway and endure the risk of only having one way in and out of our community. Furthermore, during emergencies, having just one route proves dangerous and life-threatening.
After years of navigating discussions between the state, county, Navy, and private landowners, I am pleased that the state Department of Transportation has committed to upgrading Lualualei Naval Road, including both the locked portion and the open portions of Paʻakea to Mailiilii Road, to city standards. Potential upgrades to the road include safety improvements, lane widening, lighting, and other traffic safety measures. Once completed, the road will be transferred to the city for management and maintenance.
The emergency access road will provide traffic relief, peace of mind to residents, and improved traffic safety for the Waiʻanae Coast. This is a project I’m honored to have championed on behalf of 96792 residents since being elected. I am grateful to our community for their persistent advocacy for this critical project. When you speak with residents here, you’ll understand the importance of this road as a lifeline for people to get in and out of the Westside.
Additional traffic mitigation solutions for the Westside are forthcoming. We plan to add another lane to Farrington Highway, extend the contraflow for AM and PM traffic, and push to open Kolekole Pass. Our Mākaha Bridge project has just been completed, and next month, the Maʻipalaoa Bridge will also be finished.
I look forward to continuing to deliver more projects for 96792 and ensuring our community receives the infrastructure it deserves."
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