The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is moving quickly to address a serious erosion issue on Kamehameha V Highway on Moloka‘i. The department is looking to declare a traffic emergency zone at mile post 18.7 near Waialua Stream due to the erosion of the embankment right beside the road. Without swift action, the integrity of this crucial part of Highway Route 450 could fail, which would sever the sole access to Hālawa Valley.
An emergency zone declaration is a significant step intended to enable HDOT to quickly proceed with necessary repairs. This move is designed to ultimately streamline procurement and permitting processes. In a statement made by the HDOT's official website, officials noted, "Failure of the roadway would cause a closure of Kamehameha V Highway and cut off access to Hālawa Valley, as there is no alternate access to that community."
The residents of Moloka‘i and all stakeholders have been given the opportunity to voice their concerns or support the emergency declaration at a virtual public meeting. The urgency of the situation seems to have galvanized the community as well as the HDOT which acknowledges the vital nature of this route.
The meeting is scheduled to convene today at 1 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. For accessibility, individuals can join online or call 808-829-4853 using conference PIN 932 659 735#. Public input is considered vital, and HDOT encourages participation to ensure community needs are met.
