Video of Road to Hana confrontation renews calls for traffic solutions

News admin July 23, 2026 0 Comments

Video of Road to Hana confrontation renews calls for traffic solutions

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A heated exchange between an East Maui resident and a visitor along the Road to Hana caught on camera is fanning the longstanding debate over how to improve conditions on the busy roadway.

California visitor Yuriy Stetskiv claims that while driving on Hana Highway last Tuesday, an area resident was tailing his car, with his wife and kids inside, after they tried letting him pass.

“He’s not leaving us alone… but instead, he bypassed me and he braked the car. He braked and he basically blocked the road… He exited the car and he started going towards my car,” Stetskiv said.

Tensions escalated into an encounter Stetskiv’s wife recorded on her phone showing the area resident yelling profanities at them.

At the beginning of the recording, Stetskiv is heard saying, “We have kids,” and the man demanding he “roll down your window. What the f*** is your problem, bro?”

“He just started screaming at me,” Stetskiv said.

The video also captured the resident screaming, “You’re not from here!”

Hawaii News Now decided not to show or name the man, because he has not been officially accused of any wrongdoing.

The man spoke with HNN, refuting Stetskiv’s claims. He said the visitors were “brake checking” him, and did not let him go.

“I taught them a lesson. It’s not really scoldings I gave them, but I let them know the Hana rules,” the resident said.

Stetskiv responded to the man’s argument, “Of course I’m denying those claims, that’s not what happened.”

While the resident acknowledged his frustration in the video, the man said he did not get violent, nor did he intend to.

“We don’t want to fight you. We don’t want to beat anybody up. We’re commuting going back home,” the man said.

Stetskiv called the experience “kind of a scary one.”

Both men deny each other’s accusations. A report was not filed with the Maui Police Department.

Hana Highway Regulation is a community organization started by residents to remind visitors not to park illegally, trespass, or swim in flood-prone waters.

“I think that although this resident used strong words and resorted to verbal profanity, he was communicating the problem at hand and how the visitor needed to correct,” said East Maui resident Napua Hueu, who is part of Hana Highway Regulation.

HNN reported on several other similar incidents on the Road to Hana in the past.

The latest encounter, Hueu said, is yet another example of why she and other residents have been advocating for better traffic management.

“Our organization is constantly de-villainizing our community members for the burden placed upon us of having to educate visitors in the field,” Hueu said.

Referencing videos she submitted to HNN, Hueu said illegally parked cars and other vehicles blocking the roadway have become a norm and a nuisance for her and other locals.

Hueu also questioned a Hawaii Tourism Authority pilot program launched in 2024, aimed at improving safety on the roadway, called Malama Maui Hikina.

Tracking the $350,000 effort herself, Hueu said, “based on post-project observations and data collection, there has been no significant improvement to four of the five hotspots that it set out to remedy.”

Maui County Council member Shane Sinenci, who represents the area, said, “Just a reminder for our local residents to please be patient with our visitors. I know they provide an important business for our small local vendors. For our visitors, the highway is a lifeline for residents. So please be mindful.”

HNN reached out to the Department of Transportation and Hawaii Tourism Authority and is awaiting responses.

While the Maui Police Department has no record of last Tuesday’s interaction, a spokesperson sent HNN the following statement:

“Due to the narrow and winding nature of the roadway, motorists are encouraged to be mindful of traffic conditions and other vehicles traveling along the route. If designated parking areas or scenic stops are full, motorists should continue to the next available location to avoid blocking traffic. There are multiple areas along the route where vehicles can safely pull over to use facilities, enjoy the surroundings, or allow traffic to pass. Additionally, motorists should safely pull over when possible to allow local traffic to pass, helping maintain a safe and efficient flow.

Motorists are also reminded that aggressive driving behaviors can contribute to unnecessary conflicts and potentially lead to aggressive encounters. Please be patient, courteous, and respectful of others sharing the roadway.”