The first of the project’s major technical phases expanded our understanding of current and planned conditions in the study area. We built upon recently completed and ongoing work—including the West Maui Community Plan—to review and document what was happening on the corridor in late 2022.
This included developing an understanding of who was living and working along the corridor, how people were traveling, and what systems existed in the community. It also included reviewing land use, zoning, and development plans. Upon this foundation we layered an assessment of the market, including affordable housing opportunities, to inform the “Create” phase.
A quick overview of each of our major tasks is below, including links to presentations and reports that summarize key findings.
Existing Conditions
We developed a comprehensive understanding of the needs and opportunities along Honoapiʻilani Highway and the broader study area across modes, demographics, and land uses. The findings set the stage for the remainder of the project and are part of the Community Profile.
Demographics and Travel Analysis
Understanding demographics and existing travel options and patterns was a fundamental step in planning for the West Maui Community Corridor. We explored population, employment, and other socioeconomic variables. We also mapped the corridor's mobility context and commute mode by place of work to understand travel modes for Lahaina and Kā‘anapali residents. Finally, we mapped collision hotspots along the corridor to inform decisions about transportation projects, policies, and programs.
Land Use Assessment
Land use patterns have an important impact on how people travel. As such, developing a successful transit-oriented community requires a supportive environment. We developed a series of maps describing existing and future land uses and identifying key destinations, activity centers, and areas of anticipated growth. They are included in the Community Profile.
Market Analysis
The County of Maui has recognized that there is more to economic revitalization and supporting transit ridership than encouraging development. We reviewed market studies and conducted interviews, completed a market analysis, identified market trends and potential, and began to identify strategies and programs for economic development. Review the Community Corridor Real Estate Market Assessment Report to learn more.
Affordable Housing Assessment
Central to the outcomes of the West Maui Community Corridor was developing a strategy to increase affordable and workforce housing in Lahaina and Kāʻanapali. We analyzed current supply and planned development to gain an understanding of the gaps in the market and identify specific solutions to address those shortcomings. We began developing strategies to focus on promising approaches to increase affordable and workforce housing supply.
Community Profile
We documented key issues and challenges to be addressed within the West Maui Community Corridor based on information gathered through the tasks described above. The Community Profile documented our initial analysis and findings, as well as opportunities to be explored throughout the remainder of the project.