Kamehameha Highway emergency shoreline repairs in Hauula, Kaaawa, and Kualoa to be completed Saturday, February 29

Posted on Feb 28, 2020 in Highways Posts, Main, News

Single lane closures to begin for HECO pole replacements Monday, March 2.

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs the public that emergency shoreline work on Kamehameha Highway on the east shore of Oahu is on schedule to be completed by 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29.

“It was important that we address these emergency repairs as quickly as possible to maintain connectivity for the people in Hauula and Kaaawa. We realize the single lane conditions were a hardship for people that drive the route daily and we thank them for their patience as we worked to protect Kamehameha Highway,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen.

Emergency shoreline repairs began on Kamehameha Highway (Route 83) in Hauula on Jan. 5. During the emergency repairs in Hauula, HDOT assessed various locations from Kualoa to Hauula coastal highway and identified additional areas in need of immediate repair.

The emergency work areas were:

  • Hauula near Pokiwai Bridge
  • Kaaawa near Crouching Lion
  • Kaaawa near Polinalina Road
  • Kaaawa near Kaaawa Elementary School
  • Kaaawa near Kaaawa Valley Road
  • Kualoa Ranch

In areas where it made sense, HDOT installed Kyowa bags filled with surge rock to dissipate wave energy. Some of these bags have already been damaged by individuals spiking fishing rod holders into them. HDOT installed 60 PVC pipes (pictured below) at the repair sites to provide an alternative and has stitched up the damaged bags. The public is asked to use the PVC pipes instead of damaging the Kyowa and sand bags.

Estimated total cost of the emergency shoreline repairs is between $3 million to $4 million.

During the emergency repairs, HDOT suspended all permits for road closures in the area including closures for Hawaiian Electric pole replacements. This work will now be permitted and is scheduled for Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 8 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. The work zone will be Kamehameha Highway between Punaluu Valley Road and Haupoa Street near Waikane Stream and may involve sections of single lane closures with contraflow.

The public is advised to continue to expect delays and to allow for additional travel time through the area.

One of 60 fishing rod holders installed along Kamehameha Highway between Hauula and Kualoa.

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