Maui County seeks public comment on Hāna Highway rockfall prevention project

A draft environmental assessment has been released for the ʻAlelele rockfall netting project on Hāna Highway in Maui County. The project involves installing a stainless-steel coated double-twisted mesh drape system over approximately 320,000 square feet of the ʻAlelele cliff face. This new system is intended to replace existing netting that has shown signs of severe corrosion and is no longer considered effective. The assessment addresses the safety risks posed by rockfalls due to the natural weathering of the volcanic rock on the steep slope.

The proposed project aims to mitigate the risk of rockfalls that have caused serious dangers and required temporary highway closures in the past. The ʻAlelele slope is prone to rockfalls, which have previously led to fatalities and serious road closures. The project is supported by East Maui Council Member Shane Sinenci, who stated the highway is a critical lifeline for residents accessing work, shopping, and medical appointments.