Maku'u rush hour

[Dave Smith]

The rear exit I was referring to is the original entrance. Has the exit in the back of the new parking area also been closed? If so, maybe they could use that also to reduce congestion at the main entrance.

[csgray]

My understanding is that the old entrance (which is now closed) was not on the Maku'u property but instead was the entrance and gate to neighboring state or federal property and that they did not want it used once there was an alternative. I think the Market is doing a pretty good job considering that these are just regular people figuring it out, not traffic specialists. People do get on and off the highway in a better manner than before, the internal traffic plan does still need a little work and they are clearly trying to balance the parking needs with the need for expanded vendor spaces with mixed success. I think the time will come when the only parking spaces near the booths will be handicapped spaces and the rest of us will be parking out by the "new" entrance. I think the plan is to clear more parking as it is needed. I'm sure things will get thoroughly redesigned if they ever get the funding to build the permanent structures to replace the tents.

Carol

[janet]

Yes, the former "rear exit" (left off the large parking lots - the one that leads to Route 130 via Kaluahine Street) has been closed, as of this past Sunday.

After I drove to its end and found it locked, I asked one of the "traffic controllers" (the same one who didn't stop me turning into it!). He said that too many people were using it as an entrance - and, as anyone who's been down it knows, it's way too narrow to allow two vehicles to pass.

That's too bad, because it was much safer to make a left onto Route 130 where the propane-gas seller's property is than at the entrance to the Market. Maybe the new left-turn holding area will help.

[JonP]

huh. We exited the back way no problem. I asked the guys directing traffic and they said 'sure, no problem.'
This was about 11 that we left.

[punafish]

Guess you have clout, JonP. They wouldn't let us out. Hmmm...

Tim

Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value.”
Robert Pirsig

[Johnnycake]

Punafish I totaly agree about the parking..I couldn't believe that after all that work and money in my opinion the parking situation is worse than before. I went a couple of weeks ago and it took me over 15 mins and once around the market to end up where I came in. I thought what were they thinking, and who came up with this crazy system?? Once I parked my car I very politely spoke to the lady in the booth to share with her my experience and to suggest and encourage whoever designed this to rethink it. I was introduce to some other lady that seemed to be in charge and she was very direct in telling me that she was not interested in any anything I had to say about the parking, which I must say was a bit jarring and she walked away quite abruptly. I was a bit stunned and as soon as she left a coworker turned to me and said your not the only one we get at least 20 people each week complaining to them about the parking since they changed it. I decided to stop my weekly trips there...so at least it will be one less car to deal with.

[Kahunascott]

It’s got nothing to do with the traffic pattern. They enlarged the vendor area to add more vendors, therefore, less parking stalls, just too many cars for the venue.
People will find anything to complain about. If they asked you to park in the lot where you enter and walk over to the vendors you would complain about that, but you would park your car within 30 seconds of entering the market.
We are in and out before 9am and have never had a problem, just go early.[xx(]


"Many dreams come true and some have silver linings, I look for my dreams and a pocket full of gold" Led Zeppelin

[punafish]

This ain't worth sweatin' over. I thought my observations and remarks were straightforward. Certainly didn't expect to put anyone on the defensive about something as benign as the traffic flow at Maku'u market.

We'll take your advice Scott, and show up earlier.

Tim

[punafish]

Good news!

First, we took Scott's advice and went to the market early today--got there at 8:15. No major problems, very little traffic. They're still funneling people around the market (sorry, still don't get it). But, someone wised up and opened the back exit so the Pahoa dwellers don't have to make a left turn out of the market. Kudos to the aunties for showing some common sense!

Can you tell that I've grown fond of that rear exit? :-)

[LaurelJ]

Punafish:

Next time you go to market would you please get me about 10#'s of apple bananas and send them to me. I miss those kine apple bananas so much[]