The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has announced a delay in the Pa‘akea Road Improvements project. The road, originally expected to open by April 2025, is now scheduled to be completed in Fall 2025 due to delays in the land acquisition process, as reported by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.
The Pa‘akea Road improvement project is delayed due to the need to acquire private properties, transfer land between government agencies, and secure easements. This includes property along Pa‘akea Road between Māʻiliʻili Road and Hakimo Road, a city-owned section of Pa‘akea Road that must be transferred to the state, and an easement on Lualualei Naval Road from Farrington Highway to Pa‘akea Road. The planned improvements include road resurfacing, gate removal, and construction upgrades to meet public road standards. According to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, “Having a dependable, round-the-clock alternative to Farrington Highway is important for Wai‘anae Coast residents for emergencies and daily commutes.”
The Wai‘anae Coast community faces daily traffic congestion and limited access due to reliance on a single main road, Farrington Highway. "Every day, our community faces heavy traffic along Farrington Highway and the constant risk of having only one way in and out," said Representative Darius K. Kila. He also stated, "Having alternate routes is a necessity for the residents of the Wai‘anae Coast." The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has recognized community feedback and support as important in the plan to upgrade Pa‘akea Road into a secondary access route.
