Drivers on Moloka‘i can breathe a sigh of relief as the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has reopened the eastbound lane of Kamehameha V Highway. According to an announcement by HDOT, the roadway at milepost 18.7 near Waialua Stream is now accessible following the completion of emergency repairs on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The repairs, which began with temporary measures in January, were necessary due to erosion threatening to undermine the road. To protect against wave energy, crews installed aggregate-filled bags and filled in the eroded areas. Despite the completion of the shoreline protections and foundation repairs by early February, the final phase of paving and striping the relocated travel lanes was delayed until recently, hindered by the availability of asphalt.
HDOT's prompt action has restored full connectivity along this essential corridor, with the project totaling $720,000 in expenses. The repaired section was initially closed last December, focusing on preventing additional damage and ensuring the thoroughfare's integrity.
