The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced updates on the ongoing rehabilitation project for the Joseph P. Leong Highway and Kamehameha Highway, spanning from Waimea Bay Beach Park to ʻŌpaeʻula Stream Bridge. The department is addressing community concerns regarding traffic disruptions caused by the project.
Due to legal restrictions during turtle nesting and seabird fallout seasons, night work is not an option until possibly 2026, pending consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The project will continue during daytime hours with an estimated completion date set for December 2025.
To optimize productivity, HDOT adjusted daily work hours starting July 7 to begin at 7 a.m., taking advantage of lower vehicle volumes in summer. When students return to school on August 4, lane closures will start at 8:30 a.m.
Currently, crews are repaving from Hale‘iwa Town intersection toward Laniākea Beach Park, expected to finish by July 18, weather permitting. The next phase will commence on July 21 at the highway section fronting Waimea Bay’s entrance. Police officers will manage access to Waimea Bay Beach Park’s parking lot during this period.
Paving has been completed between ʻŌpaeʻula Stream Bridge and Hale‘iwa Town intersection as well as from Waimea Valley Road toward Kapuhi Street. Temporary striping is in place while permanent striping is scheduled for a later date.
Traffic conditions are being monitored closely, with current delays averaging between 15-25 minutes. If delays extend beyond this range, HDOT may consider postponing work until night operations can legally resume in January 2026.
Updates on the highway rehabilitation project will be shared through public notices. Interested individuals can sign up for notifications or view weekly roadwork lists online.
