Maui's recent surge in traffic-calming devices has sparked a heated debate among residents, with some praising the safety improvements and others expressing frustration over the sudden proliferation of speed bumps and humps. This issue has become particularly prominent in Haʻikū, where the installation of numerous speed humps has led to a chorus of complaints from drivers. The question arises: is the county's approach to enhancing public safety going too far, or are the concerns of residents being overlooked?
The Kula 200 neighborhood, nestled in the Upcountry, has become a microcosm of this debate. Cliff Hauser, a resident, finds himself navigating an ever-increasing number of speed bumps on his daily commute to Haʻikū. While he acknowledges the importance of safety, particularly near schools and pedestrian areas, he questions the excessive use of these devices, which now dominate the streets.
The Maui County Department of Public Works has been proactive in addressing safety concerns, installing at least 69 traffic-calming devices in the past year. This includes speed humps, speed bumps, speed cushions, and speed tables, with nearly half of these installations in Haʻikū. The goal, as stated by the county, is to reduce speeding and enhance safety, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.
However, the sudden increase in speed bumps has not been without controversy. Some residents, like Tracy Stice, have long advocated for traffic-calming measures on Ulumalu Road, citing dangerous driving conditions and fatal crashes. Stice welcomes the new speed bumps, believing they have made the road safer. Dean Stelow, another resident, finds the new speed humps generally well-designed, though some are more abrupt than others.
Yet, the concerns of others, like Gregg Blue and Jonathan Lane, are more critical. Blue estimates encountering 42 speed bumps on his 10-minute drive to Makawao, many of which are poorly constructed and jarring. Lane worries about the impact on emergency response times, citing studies showing delays of 1-10 seconds per speed hump for emergency vehicles. These concerns have led to a temporary pause on new installations in Haʻikū, as Mayor Richard Bissen reassesses the situation.
The debate over traffic-calming devices raises important questions about community engagement and the balance between safety and quality of life. While some residents feel left out of the conversation, others believe the county's actions are justified. The challenge lies in finding a middle ground that addresses safety concerns without compromising the flow of daily life. As the discussion continues, it is crucial to consider the diverse perspectives of Maui's residents and the broader implications for the island's transportation network.
