Maui County evaluates streetlight options amid color rendering index concerns

The Maui County Water and Infrastructure Committee convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding street lighting and its implications for public safety and environmental concerns. The meeting focused on the impact of a proposed 2% blue light content restriction on roadway lighting, which experts argue could compromise visibility and safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The discussion began with a presentation highlighting that a 2% blue light content in streetlights is inadequate for roadway applications. Experts emphasized that this restriction significantly lowers the color rendering index (CRI), which is essential for drivers to discern objects at night. A higher CRI allows for better color contrast, enabling drivers to detect potential hazards more effectively. The consensus among lighting professionals is that a minimum CRI of 70 is necessary for safe roadway illumination.

The committee reviewed a specific lighting option from Cree Lighting, which was designed to comply with the 2% restriction. However, this light, with a CRI of only 50 and a color temperature of 1,900 Kelvin, falls short of the recommended standards for roadway applications. Cree Lighting itself does not endorse such low specifications for street lighting, further raising concerns about the safety implications of using this product.

Additionally, the committee examined data from the Federal Highways Administration, which indicates that appropriate color rendering can enhance object detection by up to 20%. The discussion also included a review of the overall contribution of streetlights to sky glow, revealing that they account for only 5.6% to 11.2% of artificial light pollution on the island. The majority of light pollution affecting seabirds comes from other sources, suggesting that the proposed restrictions on streetlights may not significantly mitigate environmental impacts.

The meeting concluded with a proposal to amend the current lighting ordinance to allow for a maximum of 3,000 Kelvin for roadway lighting. This amendment aims to balance public safety needs with environmental considerations. The committee noted that the previously considered GE light, which meets the 2,700 Kelvin and 70 CRI standards, includes technology that allows for dimming during seabird fledging season, providing a potential solution to mitigate light attraction issues.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the need for a careful evaluation of lighting standards that prioritize both public safety and environmental protection. Further deliberations and potential adjustments to the lighting ordinance are expected as the committee seeks to address these complex issues.