The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 17 that the makai, or southbound, lane of Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay will be closed around the clock until further notice to allow for interim slope stabilization work. The closure affects approximately 600 feet of roadway between the Waimea Bay parking lot and ‘Iliohu Way, beginning at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
This measure is being taken to minimize impacts to the slope and provide construction access for stabilization efforts. During this period, vehicles will be allowed through the mauka, or northbound, lane in an alternating traffic pattern managed by flaggers present throughout the closure.
According to officials, inspections have determined that while the road itself remains stable, heavy rains and loss of vegetation from recent storms have caused continued sloughing on the surface of the slope. If left unaddressed, this could destabilize the area and threaten the integrity of the highway.
Engineers are currently designing a long-term solution that involves installing wired mesh anchored by steel rods drilled and grouted into the slope at depths reaching about 69 feet. This system is intended to stabilize the soil face while allowing vegetation to regrow in affected areas.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation manages facilities including multiple airports for domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and a statewide highway system according to its official website. The department functions as part of the executive branch of state government according to its official website and operates across all six major Hawaiian islands according to its official website. Its responsibilities include operating 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintaining 2,450 lane miles of highways according to its official website.
The department aims to deliver a safe, efficient, accessible and sustainable transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth and quality of life according to its official website. It also collaborates with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Highway Administration as well as county planning departments according to its official website.