Drivers on Oʻahu’s H-1 eastbound viaduct through Makiki got an unwelcome heads-up Friday morning, as state transportation officials warned about potholes so deep that rebar is poking through the roadway. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said crews have been notified and urged motorists to use extra caution in the area. Officials have not yet announced any lane closures or a repair timeline.
Potholes with rebar poking through have been reported on H-1 eastbound on the viaduct through Makiki; crew has been notified.
— Hawaiʻi DOT (@DOTHawaii) March 20, 2026
DOT alert and immediate response
In a morning alert on X, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation said crews were called out after reports of “potholes with rebar poking through” on the H-1 eastbound viaduct through Makiki. Hawaiʻi DOT pushed the warning during the commute, asking drivers to slow down and stay alert while moving through the stretch.
Why exposed rebar is a hazard
Exposed rebar and deep potholes are not just annoying rattles on the way to work. Wheel, tire and suspension damage are all common after hard hits to severe pavement failures, according to AAA, which notes that pothole strikes can lead to costly repairs.
Highway maintenance guidelines show that when trouble spots like this pop up, crews often move quickly with temporary patches, then circle back for more permanent fixes once conditions and materials line up. The National Academies explains that these reactive pothole repairs are typically followed by resurfacing or structural work to shore up the roadway for the long haul.
How to report damage and what to expect
Drivers who run into the damaged stretch or experience vehicle problems in the area are urged to report it to the state pothole hotline or directly to the DOT so crews can respond. The State Pothole Report line for state roads on Oʻahu is (808) 536‑7852. Hawaii News Now and state resources list that number along with email contacts for filing complaints about state highways.
HDOT’s Oʻahu roadwork page also lays out ongoing H-1 viaduct and resurfacing projects, which can influence when repairs are scheduled and how traffic is routed during roadwork. HDOT
Commuter tips for the morning
For now, drivers approaching the viaduct are advised to ease off the gas and leave extra room between vehicles. Scanning ahead and reducing speed remain the best ways to avoid a nasty pothole strike.
After a hard hit, experts recommend checking your tires and wheels and paying attention to any new vibrations, pulling or odd handling. Consumer Reports notes that a mechanic should inspect alignment or suspension if something feels off.
Hawaiʻi DOT’s X post is the agency’s first public notice on the problem, and the department has not yet released details on repair work or potential lane closures. Until those updates arrive, motorists should treat the H-1 viaduct through Makiki as a rough patch and take it slow through the commute.
