Administration

LĪHUʻE – The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) announces the reduction of the speed limit on Kūhiō Highway (Route 56) in the vicinity of Kawaihau Road, between mile post 9.22 and 9.76, and between mile post 9.98 to 10.33, to 35 mph from 40 mph.

Effective from the time of the installation of the new speed limit signage on Wednesday, June 14, the speed limit in that area will be 35 mph in both directions.

The decreased speed limit will provide a more manageable and consistent flow of traffic for pedestrians and motorists using Kūhiō Highway. Being near Keālia Beach Park access, a multiuse path, and scenic viewpoint access, this location attracts high pedestrian activity. In addition, along this segment there are driveway entrances, one unsignalized intersection, a roundabout intersection, and a marked crosswalk.

HDOT has been actively managing speed limits in areas with historically high volumes of vehicular, pedestrian and bicyclist traffic. This improves safety by increasing reaction time for drivers and other users and improves survivability if a crash does occur. By normalizing safe speed limits, right-sizing corridors, and upgrading infrastructure with features that guide the user to appropriate speeds, such as roundabouts and raised crosswalks, we can reduce serious traffic injuries and fatalities while ensuring an efficient system. More on the HDOT safety improvement plan can be found at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safety-map/

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