The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 18 that both lanes of Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay will be closed nightly for approximately 600 feet, between the Waimea Bay parking lot and ‘Iliohu Way, starting at 8 p.m. each night until interim slope stabilization is finished.
This closure is expected to last about two weeks and aims to speed up the stabilization process following heavy rains that caused the slope surface to deteriorate. During the day, a single lane will remain open from 5 a.m., while pedestrians will be allowed through but are advised to use caution.
HDOT said these actions are necessary as vegetation stripped by recent weather has left the slope vulnerable. Engineers are also working on a long-term solution involving a concrete face anchored with tensioned steel rods drilled deep into the hillside. The permanent structure will be textured and stained to blend in with the natural environment.
Electronic message boards in Waikele, Ka‘amilo, Pu‘uloa and Liliha will alert drivers about the full closure and suggest alternate routes. According to the official website, HDOT manages airports, harbors, and highways across all six major Hawaiian islands as part of its role within the executive branch of state government. The department operates 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains over 2,400 lane miles of highways according to HDOT.
HDOT’s mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth and quality of life according to its official website. The department works closely with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration, as well as county planning departments according to HDOT.