The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on April 6 that both westbound lanes of Farrington Highway between Piliokahi Avenue and Pohakunui Avenue are expected to reopen for the afternoon commute starting at 2 p.m. Multiple lanes had been closed on April 5 while the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply conducted emergency repairs on a broken 24-inch water main.
This reopening is significant for commuters as it will restore access along a key route after recent disruptions. The eastbound lanes will remain detoured at Laumania Avenue, with motorists directed to Pohakunui Avenue before reentering the highway. Paving work for the eastbound lanes is scheduled to be completed before the morning commute on April 7.
The department extended thanks to Captain Samuel White, commander of Navy Region Hawai‘i, and Colonel Rachel Sullivan, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i, for their roles in opening the Kolekole Pass emergency route during Monday morning’s closure. More than 1,200 vehicles used this alternative route between Nānākuli and Schofield Barracks during the affected period.
Permanent repaving plans for Farrington Highway between Piliokahi Avenue and Pohakunui Avenue will be announced later by HDOT.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages facilities including multiple airports serving domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and a statewide highway system. The agency functions as part of Hawaii’s executive branch government according to its official site.
The department operates eleven commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains about 2,450 lane miles across six major Hawaiian islands according to its official website. Its goal is “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 site here. Services extend across all six major Hawaiian islands as stated by HDOT, with collaboration from federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Highway Administration alongside county planning departments according to HDOT’s website.