Final Touches for South Maui Quick Build

A new “Quick Build” Demonstration Project has been installed at the intersection of Kenolio Road and Alulike Street in Kīhei, Maui, designed to promote pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures and foster a stronger sense of community. The project was a collaboration between the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the County of Maui Department of Public Works and Department of Planning, Ulupono Initiative, SSFM International, the Healthy Eating + Active Living Coalition, and local artist Matt Agcolicol. This marks the third “Quick Build” street art project on Maui, continuing efforts to beautify public spaces while swiftly implementing street design improvements.

What is a Quick Build?

Quick Build projects are transforming public spaces across communities by providing rapid, cost-effective solutions for improving infrastructure. These temporary installations serve as a testing ground for new design ideas and allow for real-time community feedback before committing to permanent changes. Quick builds often leverage art and design to transform and strengthen community identity. By implementing quick-build projects, local organizations can address safety, accessibility, and functionality concerns in a way that is both flexible and responsive to community needs. 

South Maui Quick Build Phase 1 (Treatments)

As a part of Phase 1, low-cost and easy-to-implement treatments were installed by Maui County at the intersection of Kenolio Road and Alulike Street. The treatments included sidewalk curb extensions, which reduce crossing distances for pedestrians, and colored bike lane conflict areas, which increase the visibility of bicyclists and raise awareness to road users of potential conflict zones. These improvements aim to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in the area and encourage the use of alternative transportation modes. 

South Maui Quick Build, Phase 2 (Street Art)

With the Quick Build Treatments (Phase 1) complete, the project is now focusing on Phase 2: creating street art that reflects the unique character of Kīhei. The Maui MPO and Ulupono Initiative would like to implement a community-driven art design within the newly created, unused space outside of the vehicle travelway at the intersection of Kenolio Road and Alulike Street in the community of Kīhei. The design of the street art will be informed and implemented by the local community in partnership with the project’s artist. The goal of this phase is to add a splash of color to beautify and enhance the character of Kīhei while encouraging drivers to slow down.  

Next Steps: 

Maui artist Matthew Agcolicol will work closely with the community through an engaging process, including community surveys and “meet and talk” events, to gather feedback and ideas that will inspire the design. Public art plays a vital role in place-making, helping to beautify shared spaces while reflecting the culture and identity of the community. This initiative will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the project but also create a meaningful, lasting impact that represents the voices of those who live and work in the area.

Quick Build projects such as these help make it easier for people to get outside and participate in active transportation. This, in turn, helps to prevent chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, as well as depression. Funding for this project was provided by the Maui MPO and Ulupono Initiative, and technical support was provided by SSFM International.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this project. For more information about the South Maui Quick Build, please visit https://mauimpo.org/southmaui-quickbuild-streetart. For more information about the Maui Nui HEAL Coalition, please contact the Maui Nui HEAL Coalition Coordinator Ariana Tenaglia at Ariana@hiphi.org.