The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (Maui MPO) was formed in 2016 as a federally mandated government agency. Agency partners are the State of Hawaii and County of Maui. The Maui MPO facilitates comprehensive planning for federally-funded or regionally significant transportation systems on the island of Maui. The MPO and its partner agencies develop plans and programs for a multimodal transportation system for the movement of people and goods. Maui MPO does not construct projects or implement these programs directly. A list of roads eligible for federal aid on Maui can be found on the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation website on Federal-Aid Highways.
The Maui MPO vision is for Maui communities to be connected by a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation system. The Maui MPO facilitates regional and local surface transportation planning by serving as a forum for collaboration among local communities and government agencies. Using a data-driven approach, the MPO strives to direct federal funds toward projects that increase access to opportunity and prosperity, while promoting the health and wellness of Maui’s people and environment through improved multimodal pedestrian, bicycle and transit options.
How does the information flow?
Why did the MPO form?
With an expanding population and changing land uses, it is critically important to plan ahead for safe and efficient access for residents and visitors. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the “urbanized area” of Kahului, Wailuku and Pa‘ia exceeded 50,000 people. This triggered the formation of an MPO to act as a decision making agency and receive federal funds to carry out a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive planning process. The Maui MPO jurisdiction includes the island of Maui. The MPO is an agency assigned to the County of Maui's Department of Transportation for administrative purposes and operates pursuant to an Administrative Supplemental Agreement dated August 1, 2022.
How is the MPO funded?
The Maui MPO's annual budget is approximately $500,000. The MPO recieves 80% of its annual budget through Federal planning grants from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support its operation and planning program. A formula to distribute Federal planning grants is set out in the Hawaii MPOs Federal Planning Funds Distribution Formula Agreement effective August 1, 2023. The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and County of Maui Department of Transportation (MDOT) pay the MPO annual dues pursuant to a Finance Supplemental Agreement to contribute 10% each of the annual budget.
The responsibilities of the Maui MPO and its partner agencies are identified in a Comprehensive Agreement dated May 22, 2019 between the MPO, Mayor of Maui and Governor of Hawaii. The Performance Based Planning Agreement further outlines roles in data sharing and coordination to reach Maui's transportation goals.