10-28-2025 2:22pm

Kihei Road to be Test Route for New Traffic Safety Signs for Maui

Keith Jajko Editor

New traffic safety signage is coming to south Kihei Road soon, as Maui County traffic experts plan a pilot program in an ongoing effort to avoid pedestrian injuries on heavily trafficked roadways.

New signs to be installed by the end of the year will remain in public view until the early part of 2026, county officials said. A total of four new signs will be tested, focused on informing motorists that distracted pedestrians or tourists may be ahead.

“Maui has modernized enough that the same old classic ‘caution’ or ‘yield’ signs don’t seem as effective as in the past,” said Larry Hoailona, traffic engineer for the county. “There are unique situations here, plus traffic safety measures are changing with the times and emerging technology.”

The new sign attracting the most attention from county traffic gurus is one that warns of smart phone zombies, complete with a graphic of a couple with necks bent downward looking at mobile phones, on a yellow triangle background.

“Our staff is particularly proud of that one,” Hoailona said. “It was unanimous to try it on south Kihei Road, pretty much wherever there are buildings. You have to really watch for bent necks.”

If effective, this particular sign also may be tested in Paia and Makawao, or even in the Hookipa Beach parking lot.

For several years the county has studied potential new, more realistic road signs for Maui. Locals tired of waiting often just make their own, in a seemingly never-ending effort to better inform motorists of what really lies ahead.

The other new traffic safety signs to be tested in the Kihei pilot program:

~ An orange triangle sign warning of spots where there are way too many scooters.

~ A bright blue sign shaped like a police badge indicating, No Make Popo Busy!

~ A yellow triangle sign warning of Maui chicken crossings.

“Our aim always is for safer and more enjoyable rides for everyone on Maui,” Hoailona said. “We also hope some new signs give hints to visitors to pay da kine attention walking along or on roads. Not all our fault when someone get bus’ up if they not looking.”