The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on March 12 that all special-use lanes on Kauai and Oahu will not be operational Friday, March 13, as crews prepare for the impacts of the Kona Low weather system. The department said a full list of affected special-use lanes, including the Zipperlane and Kuhio Highway Southbound Contraflow, is available online.
The Keaau-Pahoa Road Northbound Contraflow will remain open since schools and state offices on Hawaii Island are scheduled to operate. The department also reminded residents to sign up for emergency notifications and avoid travel during active flood and wind warnings unless evacuation or avoiding a life-threatening situation is necessary.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages facilities such as multiple airports for domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and a statewide highway system. The agency functions as part of the executive branch of the State of Hawaii government according to its official website.
The department operates 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains 2,450 lane miles of highways across six major Hawaiian islands according to its official website. Its services and infrastructure extend across all six major islands according to its official website.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation 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. The agency collaborates with federal partners such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration, as well as county planning and public works departments according to its official website.
As weather conditions develop around the Kona Low event, officials urge residents to stay informed about road closures or changes in transportation services.