The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on March 31 that it has completed slope stabilization work beneath Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay. The makai lane between the Waimea Bay parking lot and ʻIliohu Way is set to reopen at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.
This project was undertaken after the first Kona low pressure system in March caused impacts in the area, leading to the closure of the makai lane above the jumping rock at Waimea Bay beginning March 18. The department had initially anticipated that work would continue until April 10 but completed it ahead of schedule.
Stabilization efforts included installing soil anchors, drainage systems, and a shotcrete wall painted to blend with the surrounding landscape. Crews also cleared vegetation and placed erosion matting on lower slopes for long-term stability. The matting is designed to allow vegetation regrowth; residents and visitors are asked not to walk on it so plants can reestablish and maintain contact between matting and slope.
“HDOT thanks the Ko‘olauloa community for their patience during the stabilization work. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding during the 24/7 single lane closure and the initial full nighttime closures,” said officials from HDOT.
According to the official website, Hawaii Department of Transportation manages facilities including multiple airports for domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and a statewide highway system as part of its role within Hawaii’s executive branch government. The department operates eleven 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 website. It aims to deliver a safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable transportation system supporting mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth according to HDOT.
The department collaborates with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration as well as county planning departments according to its website.