The County of Kaua‘i officially kick-started the Poʻipū Road Safety and Mobility Project, which promises to significantly improve the travel experience along one of South Kaua‘i's most frequented thoroughfares. According to official statements, the initiative was ushered in with a blessing ceremony held in Kōloa yesterday.
This ambitious project, which has a hefty price tag exceeding $70 million, includes the construction of three new roundabouts and the addition of continuous bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and bus shelters. Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami noted that this day was the culmination of a vision over a decade in the making: “This project is about creating a safer, more connected community for families, keiki, kūpuna, and visitors alike.” Sidewalks will span the full length of Poʻipū Road, barring the stretch in front of the Hyatt, linking key areas such as Kōloa Elementary to local residences and spots like Koa‘e Makana Affordable Housing, according to the same press release.
The project, which emerged from a community brainstorming session in 2013 and later incorporated into the South Kaua‘i Community Plan in 2015, is set for completion by December 2027. County Engineer Troy Tanigawa underscored the collaborative spirit of the venture, expressing gratitude, “This project stands as an example of what can be achieved when federal, state, and county partners come together with the community,” in a statement obtained by Kauai.gov.
Funding for the Poʻipū Road initiative is a mosaic of sources, featuring a $25 million RAISE Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, $33 million in additional federal funds through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $13 million in County funds, and $2 million from utility partners, the synergy of which underscores the project's widespread support. This undertaking is not merely a standalone project but a component of a broader strategy to bolster pedestrian safety across South Kaua‘i, complementing other recently completed works such as Kōloa Road resurfacing and Kōloa Bridge repairs.
For residents and visitors looking to stay informed or voice concerns, the Public Works Engineering Division remains accessible via phone at 808-241-4883 or by emailing [email protected].
