The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on March 14 that it is conducting repairs on several Oahu transportation facilities following storm damage caused by the Kona low pressure system.
These repairs are important for maintaining safe travel and access across the island, as the affected roads serve residents, businesses, and community institutions. The department said it expects to make additional repairs as the storm continues to impact the islands.
Among the projects underway, barriers for the Salt Lake Rehabilitation Project work zone on H-1 eastbound were struck during the storm. One right lane between the Airport off-ramp and Salt Lake will be closed from 7 a.m. so crews can reset these barriers. The project will continue its usual weekend closures when weather allows.
On H-1 westbound, both the Pali Highway off-ramp and Punchbowl Street On-Ramp remain closed while crews repair a damaged storm drain culvert above the freeway. Repairs began Saturday, March 14, and are expected to last through March 20. The department is working with contractors to open ramps during peak travel hours between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In Kāne‘ohe, Kiona‘ole Road has been undermined by storm waters at a culvert about half a mile from Kamehameha Highway. This road provides access to local residents as well as Pali Golf Course, Ko‘olau Ballrooms, and First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu. During repairs, drivers may detour through Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden with permission from city officials.
Additionally, a rockfall catchment fence along Kamehameha Highway north of Kipapa Bridge in Waipi‘o was damaged after catching large boulders late Friday night. Repairs began immediately and are expected to require one more day; northbound traffic toward Mililani will be detoured via H-2 Freeway during this time while southbound traffic can continue through Kipapa Gulch.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages airports for domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and a statewide highway system as part of its role within Hawaii’s executive branch government structure. The agency operates 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains over 2,450 lane miles of highways across all six major Hawaiian islands according to its official website. Its mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth according to its official website.
The department also works closely with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Coast Guard as well as county planning departments according to its official website.