State set to reopen Hana Highway to public Announcement receives mixed reviews from residents

https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2020/06/state-set-to-reopen-hana-highway-to-public/

The road to Hana, known for its picturesque views, bridges and hairpin turns, is now a flashpoint with the state planning to reopen access to East Maui to the general public Wednesday.

Access to East Maui has been blocked to nonresidents since March over concerns about COVID-19 spread to the remote rural communities with limited health care facilities. Roadblocks were set up at Twin Falls in Haiku and at Ulupalakua Ranch.

“This is such a controversial subject,” said Hana resident Neil Hasegawa, who owns Hasegawa General Store in Hana, a family business that dates back to 1910.

In the wake of news Thursday that the state will reinstate full access to Hana, there is a division over whether the remote town is ready to reopen the road that allows more people access amid the pandemic.

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