1phase 1: conceptual plan

West Maui GreenwayA family friendly multi-use trail that travels along the west coast of Maui, providing cultural and recreational experiences within this hidden gem.

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Workshop Hosts Donna Clayton, Na Ale Hele; Keith A. Regan County of Maui Managing Director; Saman Dias and Lee Chamberlain, Maui Bicycling League; Sally Sheridan and Meredith Speicher, National Park Service

Special Thanks: Clint Hansen, Maui Paintball; Walle Landenberger, Mapping, County of Maui; Olowalu Plantation House; RideSmartMaui, Al Lagunero, Cultural welcome; Leoda’s Restaurant

West Maui Greenway Phase I Conceptual PlanMarch 2016

3phase 1: conceptual plan

The Maui Bicycling League, County of Maui, and the State Na Ala Hele Program, in partnership with the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program hosted a design workshop February 18-19, 2016 to discuss and develop ideas for a West Maui Greenway extending from Ukumehame to Lipoa Point using existing abandoned agricultural roads wherever possible and connecting to existing trails in the area. This multi-use trail will provide a safe and family friendly place to enjoy the outdoors away from the heavy traffic on Honoapiilani Highway and connect communities and destinations, while offering alternative transportation. The goal is to construct the trail in phases, with Phase I from Olowalu to Lahaina. This document showcases the ideas from the workshop and suggests a management mechanism to implement the greenway design, provide stewardship, and continue to pursue the vision for a continuous, 25-mile greenway along Maui’s western shore.

West maui greenway

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West maui greenway phasing

5phase 1: conceptual plan

25 mi: ukumehame to lipoa pointThe 25 mile West Maui Greenway will be a multi-use trail that uses and transforms the abandoned cane haul road into a recreational ribbon connecting residents and visitors alike to the outdoors and community destinations. Phasing will occur as opportunities arise, with Phase One located from Olowalu Village to Lahainaluna Road. Existing agricultural roads and old rail lines continue up the coast, opening up possibilities for the full 25 mile greenway. These include the possibility of including the 6 miles of Sugar Cane Train track and existing public trails in private developments. The proposed road bypass and future private developments will be tracked to ensure that the West Maui Greenway is accommodated as design and construction occurs.

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Trail Route and AccessThe first phase of the West Maui Greenway, from Olowalu Village to Lahainaluna Road, is proposed to be a 7.5 mile multi-use trail on the abandoned cane haul road. It is an excellent example of a private/public partnership project between Maui County, a major landowner, and the West Maui Greenway Alliance. The trail is envisioned to utilize existing facilities and infrastructure by connecting to several public parks and existing trails. The greenway will provide safe and fun access to a variety of family friendly activities from Olowalu to Lahaina. Key access, parking and trail amenities are located at Lahainaluna Road, Shaw Street, Hokiokio Road, Launiupoko Beach Park, the existing Transfer Station, and Olowalu Village. Existing public restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables are located at existing parks. Green infrastructure, including native plant restoration, bioswales and rain gardens are proposed to protect the coral reefs and coastline from polluted run-off, and can serve as an opportunity for environmental awareness and stewardship. As the Lahaina Bypass comes to fruition, safe crossings should be emphasized.

phase 1: conceptual planTrail DesignFeedback from a trail user survey conducted in February 2016 indicated that there should be consideration of a wide range of user types on the West Maui Greenway. Suggestions included a diverse mix including bikes, pedestrians, and equestrians. There was a strong desire to design it for multiple uses: families, people wanting to exercise and get healthy, kids on bikes, parents with strollers, and athletes. The typical cross section of this multi-use trail illustrates a hard surface for bikes, separation between bikes and people on foot, and a soft surface path for other users such as equestrians or mountain bikes. Where possible, the hard surface path would be at least 12 feet wide so that it could serve as emergency access for vehicles when the Highway was closed.

7phase 1: conceptual plan

phase i: olowalu village to Lahainaluna road

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Where feasible, and for the future Lahaina Bypass, a 4 foot paved shoulder serves advanced bicyclists while a separated pathway provides a safer and more enjoyable experience for the greenway user.

lahaina bypass: traffic separation

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option 2: new trail construction

option 1: mill and fill

There are two suggested options for trail improvements on the cane haul roads. Where there is sufficient existing pavement, a “Mill and Fill” design would be a cost efficient solution for trail development. It allows for the creation of a smooth surface for trail users and can be used for emergency access. Base course shoulders for running and walking would be added to each side and a bioswale would capture and filter run-off and allow the water to percolate into the soil. The other option suggested for new trail construction is for a 12 foot multi-use hard surface with a new base course that also has shoulders for running/walking/equestrian users and a slight slope to drain water off of the paved area. A bioswale would filter the run off and allow the water to percolate back into the soil.

Examples of other green infrastructure in Hawaii

Swale

Raingarden

9phase 1: conceptual plan

Features of the Greenway An important part of Phase One is to capture and share the story of the beauty and history of West Maui while providing a comfortable, safe and inspiring recreational venue. Opportunities for interpretation, themes, and signage are vast: the West Maui mountains, coastline, and ecosystems offer a wealth of cultural knowledge, history, and contain numerous sacred sites. The greenway has the potential to help perpetuate cultural knowledge and mo‘olelo from the area, without impacting the sites themselves. It allows for a place for people to continue their practices and celebrate the teachings that perpetuate the living Hawaiian culture. Two different types of approach were sketched out offering both the more traditional western approach to education and interpretation and a more subtle approach and theme development.

examples of trail amenities and features

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West Maui Greenway phase 1: olowalu village to Lahainaluna road

11phase 1: conceptual plan

interpretation node:

Interpretive expressions are located at key locations and offer a variety of messaging techniques, whether subtle or instructional. Native iconic trees and plants, use of traditional markers to delineate the ahupua’a, or structures such as bridge railings can be used to symbolize important practices and uses of the land. Public art and care of the ‘aina could be integrated into these sites that can help inspire responsibility to care for the greenway and surrounding areas.

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theme development: family fun focus

Hub at Launiupoko Beach ParkA key concept for the greenway is for it to be family friendly and provide recreational opportunities for a variety of interests and users. This hub, across from Launiupoko Beach Park illustrates a concept where one could park at an access point for the greenway and have options to take a walk or ride on the pathway, spend the afternoon at the beach, head up the hill to explore a petting farm, visit a weekly farmer’s market, or other outdoor experiences.

13phase 1: conceptual plan

management and maintenanceThe West Maui Greenway is envisioned to be for the public to utilize through Maui County ownership and maintenance. Maui County would own the land through easements or existing ownership, and provide the oversight, legal responsibility and long term maintenance of the greenway. Public Works will support the Greenway, with continued discussion as to the most appropriate division to take on the responsibility of the Greenway in the long term. Areas that are currently under private land ownership would be encouraged to grant easements to the County.

A West Maui Greenway Alliance will be established as a volunteer friends group and is envisioned to provide maintenance support, fundraise, develop special projects to support a sustainable greenway, and outreach to the public for support and stewardship of the area. Subcommittees, or teams, are needed and include: a Core Action and Planning Team, an Outreach, a Public Support and Advocacy Team, a Fundraising, Grants and Events Team, and a Marketing and Public Relations Team that supports all of the subcommittees.

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at press: happening nowat press: happenings nowA Facebook page, Friends of the West Maui Greenway, is up and running to gather community support and help with outreach and communication.

The Mayor has recently announced $1.5 million in his budget. County Council will need to approve the budget. Several grant applications are in the works: People for Bikes ($10,000) and Rails to Trails ($50,000) applications have been submitted.

Peter Martin has committed to allowing the cane haul road within his land to be deeded to the County for the development as a greenway, and has committed to funding some of the resurfacing.

Formation of the West Maui Greenway Alliance, with the fiscal sponsorship from Maui Bicycling League. This is an open alliance of organizations working together to implement the West Maui Greenway vision: A family friendly multi-use trail that travels the West coast of Maui providing cultural and recreational experiences within this hidden gem.

West Maui Greenway Logo development.

Investigation into the idea of a specialty beer from Maui Brewery: West Maui Greenway IPA (and gives a portion of profit to the greenway)

Recruitment of volunteers to provide technical expertise for the friend’s group.

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15phase 1: conceptual plan

Workshop ParticipantsMayor Alan Arakawa (Speaker)Peter Martin (Speaker)Al Lagunero, Olowalu Cultural Reserve (Cultural Blessing)Lee Chamberlain, Maui Bicycling League Donna Clayton, Na Ala Hele Saman Dias, Maui Bicycling League Clint Hansen, Maui Paintball (Workshop Host)Charlene Shibuya, Senior Associate/Engineer for Munekiyo HiragaWesley Crile, Coral Reef AllianceTova Callender, West Maui Ridge to Reef InitiativeBrett Davis, Chris Hart and PartnersRory Frampton, Manager, Peter Martin ProjectLucienne de Naie, Leader, Sierra ClubLisa Paulson, Executive Director, Maui Hotel & Lodging AssociationKawika Plummer, Member, MBL Steering CommitteeRussell Reinertson, Mountain Bike ExpertKim Round, Haleakalā National Park / Maui Bicycling League Education and Safety Co ChairJenny Worth, Maui PrepZolton MilajkeyPamela Tumpap, Maui Chamber of Commerce

County of MauiJames Buika, Coastal ManagementElle Cochran, County CouncilDavid Yamashita, Long Range PlanningKeith A. Regan, Managing DirectorKathleen Aoki, Planning Pam Eaton, Long Range Planning Mary Jorgensen, Planning Doug Miller, Long Range PlanningShane Agawa, Public Works Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, Public Works David Goode, Director, Public Works