The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on March 22 that repair work is ongoing for several key highways on Oʻahu following damage from two recent Kona low pressure events. The affected areas include Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay and Kalaniana‘ole Highway between Kapa‘a Quarry Road and Castle Junction.
These repairs are important as they impact major routes used by residents and commuters, affecting travel between communities and the movement of goods. According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages a statewide highway system as well as multiple airports and commercial harbors across all six major Hawaiian islands.
At Waimea Bay, interim slope stabilization continues with a single lane closure in place from early morning until evening hours. However, due to site stability after the second storm and efforts to minimize disruption for travelers between Hāle‘iwa and Waimea, the department said it will keep one lane closed around-the-clock for three weeks while long-term stabilization is completed. Nighttime full closures have been canceled starting tonight.
On Kalanianaʻole Highway (Route 61), both directions have experienced closures since March 14 because of ongoing slope slides above the corridor. Crews have cleared debris and installed erosion matting during breaks in severe weather. The left lanes in both directions are now open, but right lanes will remain closed until slopes dry further and critical erosion control work finishes. An update on this closure is expected later this week.
Additional repairs include emergency pole work by Hawaiian Electric near Wilson Tunnel on Likelike Highway, with planned lane closures for public safety during daytime hours. Repairs to drain culverts impacting H-1 Freeway ramps were completed Saturday night, reopening those routes before Monday’s peak travel times.
Efforts also continue to restore safe access along Kiona‘ole Road in Kāneʻohe and Farrington Highway at Kea‘au Homestead Road; detours remain available for affected users until reconstruction resumes.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation operates within the executive branch of state government and collaborates with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration, as well as county planning departments. The agency aims to deliver a safe, efficient transportation system supporting mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth according to its mission statement.