Administration

Rockfall Netting will be Placed via Helicopter Over Slope on Sunday, May 17 

 

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) issues this update to highway users on the continued rock fall mitigation work along Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay.  

HDOT is working all available daytime hours to reduce the length of the contraflow as quickly as possible. The Haleiwa side of the contraflow was shortened by 250 feet after slope stabilization was completed in the area. During the week of Monday, May 11, crews began replanting the slope in preparation for the draping of rockfall netting this Sunday, May 17.

Over 3000 Native Hawaiian plants, like ʻĀnapanapa, Milo and Pōhinahina, which are all found in the Waimea area, were selected from a local nursery to promote healthy growth along the slope.  

From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026 crews will fully close Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay for public safety, for helicopter operations to drape rockfall netting over the slope. To maximize the work completed during the closure, crews will also remove the steel plates previously placed over the waterline for protection during the removal of loose material from the slope. 

Emergency vehicles and TheBus will be allowed through the closure area with advanced coordination. Electronic signage will be posted and vehicles may turn around at ‘Ili‘ohu Place on the Hale‘iwa side of the closure — and at Kapuhi Street/Three Tables on the Kahuku side of the closure. HDOT has provided notice of the scheduled closure to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Two weeks after the installation and securing of this section of rockfall protection netting, the 24/7 single lane closure will be shortened by approximately 250 feet. This will allow for better access to Waimea Bay Beach Park and alleviate some congestion through this corridor.  

This is the first of two deliveries of the 200,000 square foot rockfall protection netting that will cover the slope above Kamehameha Highway between mile posts 5.4 and 6.2. The second section of netting is scheduled to be installed approximately six to eight weeks from the installation of the first section; this work will be announced as scheduled. Two weeks after the second installation and securing of netting, the contraflow will be lifted.  

The rockfall protection netting will be anchored to the slope and supplemented by a 500-foot-long impact-fencing system at the bottom of the slope. Total estimated cost for the slope stabilization is $34.4 million and completion is projected for later this summer. 

Professional rock mitigation crews are working to stabilize the slope and protect this critical transportation corridor. By maintaining the single lane closure 24/7, the estimated duration of the stabilization project has been reduced by half. HDOT continues to work with the State Historic Preservation Division to ensure cultural resources in the construction area are protected. 

HDOT appreciates the patience of our North Shore residents and visitors during the emergency repairs. Flagging crews have adjusted contraflow timing to allot additional time for Kahuku-bound traffic between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and additional time for Hale‘iwa-bound traffic between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists are reminded that between 6:30 p.m. and 6 a.m., the contraflow is controlled by temporary traffic signals. 

For video of the work area see https://youtu.be/DjTFQG0fx9s?si=VFrGofx-xyAr6_P3 

 

 

###