Kauai Lane Closures for Week of July 3 - July 9, 2021

— KUHIO HIGHWAY (ROUTES 56/560) —

1) KAPAA (24/7, WEEKEND WORK)

Right side shoulder closure of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in the southbound direction between mile markers 5.7 and 6.6, Kuhio Highway and Kapaa Bypass, on Sunday, July 4, through Friday, July 9, 24-hours a day, for lane and shoulder work.

2) KAPAA (24/7, WEEKEND WORK)

Traffic on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) near mile marker 10 is shifted to the temporary Kapaa Stream Bridge 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. For safety during the shift to the temporary bridge, right turns off Kuhio Highway onto Mailihuna Road are not permitted. Access to Kapahi is recommended via the Kawaihau Road or Hauaala Road detours.

3) KILAUEA (NIGHT WORK)

Single lane closure of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in both directions between mile markers 22 and 24.4, Kaluamakua Place and Kahiliholo Road, on Tuesday evening, July 6, through Friday morning, July 9, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., for road reconstruction and paving work.

4) HANALEI (WEEKEND/WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure of Kuhio Highway (Route 560) in both directions between mile markers 0.0 and 1.3, Kuhio Highway and Ohiki Road, on Saturday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for slope stabilization work. There will be an alternating single lane closure along Kuhio Highway between the Kolopua Apartments and Hanalei Bridge during set times throughout the day.

The schedule for public access for the upcoming week will be:

Every Saturday:

Public access:                     5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

                                            8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

                                            9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

                                            10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

                                            11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

                                            12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

                                            1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

                                            2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

                                            3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

                                            4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

                                            5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:

Public access:                     5:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

                                            1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

                                            5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

Every Sunday and State Holiday:

Public access:                       5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

During access hours the highway at Hanalei Hill will be open to single lane, alternating traffic for passenger cars and light trucks. These vehicles will be escorted through the work zone by a pilot vehicle.

For full details, visit the HDOT website at: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/2021-hanalei-hill-landslide/

5) HANALEI (WEEKEND/WEEKLY WORK)

Right lane closure of Kuhio Highway (Route 560) in both directions between mile markers 1.3 and 2.5, near Wainiha Powerhouse Road, on Saturday, July 3, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for landscaping and ditch clearing work.

 Link to Press Release

Information on Up-To-Date Schedule on Road Access to Hanalei

New Contraflow Schedule for Kuhio Highway Starts Saturday, July 3

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs Kauai residents of modified Saturday contraflow hours on Kuhio Highway beginning July 3. The new schedule will result in reduced hours on the back end, shifting from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

In light of recent northbound traffic congestion, HDOT placed counters on Kuhio Highway the past two Saturdays to confirm the timing of the southbound traffic peak easing and the northbound traffic peak intensifying. The change in schedule addresses the northbound traffic issue that exists during the latter part of the contraflow timetable.

The Kuhio Highway weekday contraflow schedule remains unchanged. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 4:15 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Traffic counts and efficiency will continue to be monitored and any future modifications to the contraflow schedule will be announced in advance.

Link to Press Release

"Go For Broke" Soldiers Commemorative Stamp Unveiling: Friday, June 4, 2021

On Kaua‘i, Mayor Derek Kawakami and Rep. Nadine Nakamura presented certificates and proclamations to World War II veteran Norman Hashisaka at a limited-audience event at the Līhu‘e Neighborhood Center.

The unveiling of the stamp culminates the 15-year “Stamp Our Story” campaign founded by three California Nisei women who were incarcerated during World War II and were determined to have a U.S. Postal Service stamp to perpetuate the story of the Nisei (second generation Japanese American) Soldiers who bravely fought to defend the United States, even though they were suspected of being enemies of America.

Their “Stamp Our Story” campaign garnered bipartisan endorsements from congressional,state and local government officials as well as the support from family, friends and others,including descendants of French soldiers who were liberated from German forces by the “Go for Broke” Soldiers.

Link to Press Release

Public Access Schedule For Kuhio Highway In Hanalei Changes Wednesday, June 2

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) modifies the scheduled single lane public access to Kuhio Highway (Route 560) on the north shore of Kauai at mile marker 1 approaching Hanalei Bridge (“Hanalei Hill”) to make weekday access times consistent starting Wednesday, June 2.

During the school year, the Wednesday afternoon access was different from the regular weekday schedule to match up with the release of schoolchildren. Now that school is out for the summer, the weekday access times will be:

Weekdays (Monday through Friday) including Wednesday, June 2:

• 5:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

• 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

• 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

Saturday and Sunday access remains as follows.

Saturdays:

• 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

• 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

• 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sundays and State Holidays:

• 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

The public access schedule will continue to be posted at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/2021-hanalei-hill-landslide/

As a reminder, the single lane access with alternating traffic control lead by a pilot vehicle escort is necessary until the slope is stabilized above and below Kuhio Highway at mile marker 1. Also, the following weight restrictions are in effect:

• Kuhio Highway between Hanalei Plantation Road and the Hanalei Bridge is restricted to 10 tons.

• The Hanalei Bridge is restricted to a weight limit of 15 tons.

All motorists are advised to drive with caution and patience in the area for their safety.

May 15 Update to Schedule for Public Access to Kuhio Highway in Hanalei

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) provides the following update for scheduled single lane public access to Kuhio Highway (Route 560) on the north shore of Kauai at mile marker 1 approaching Hanalei Bridge (“Hanalei Hill”).

The updated schedule for public access for passenger vehicles begins Saturday, May 15, and is as follows. Please note that access schedules may vary by day, and from weekday to weekend. Also, weekday times will likely be modified after school gets out for the summer on May 28.

Every Saturday beginning this Saturday May 15:

Public access:                            5:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

                                                      8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

                                                      9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

                                                      10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

                                                      11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

                                                      12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

                                                      1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

                                                      2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

                                                      3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

                                                      4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

                                                      5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Every Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri beginning Monday May 17:

Public access:                            5:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

                                                      1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

                                                      5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

Every Wed beginning Wednesday May 19:

Public access:                            5:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

                                                      12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

                                                      5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Princeville side goes first)

Every Sunday (no change to current schedule):

Public access:                            5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Hanalei side goes first)

Public safety is the top priority during this phase of the emergency work. Until the slope is fully stabilized above and below Kuhio Highway at mile marker 1, single lane access without a pilot vehicle escort is not possible. The public access schedule is in place to ensure safe, efficient single lane alternating movement through the area.

Updates on the slope stabilization and the public access schedule will continue to be posted at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/2021-hanalei-hill-landslide/.

First Round of Virtual Public Informational Meetings Scheduled for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is in the process of updating the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for the next four-year cycle. The first round of virtual public informational meetings will discuss the STIP development process and solicit input.

The STIP is a four-year programming implementation document that identifies State and County transportation projects to be funded in part with federal funds. HDOT is responsible for the development of the STIP programs for the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai.

The first round of virtual public informational meetings for Hawaii Island and Kauai will be held using Microsoft Teams. Meeting dates, times, and information on how to join follows:

Hawaii Island Meeting #1 – Monday, May 24, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Click here to join on May 24 or call in to 1 (808) 829-4853 using Phone Conference ID: 501 252 550#

Kauai Meeting – Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Click here to join on May 25 or call in to 1 (808) 829-4853 using Phone Conference ID: 997 865 157#

Hawaii Island Meeting #2 – Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Click here to join on May 27 or call in to 1 (808) 829-4853 using Phone Conference ID: 386 075 349#

To request language interpretation, an auxiliary aid, or special services (e.g., sign language interpreter, materials in alternate format), please contact the HDOT Public Affairs Office (808-587-2160 or DOTPAO@hawaii.gov) prior to the meeting date. Please submit requests in a timely manner to allow an adequate period to fulfill requests.

Meeting materials are posted on the STIP website here. Information on the STIP website includes the proposed Hawaii Island and Kauai FFY 2022-2025 (+2) STIP program, project location maps, survey, and an online version of the survey. Surveys may be completed online or submitted by using the contact information below by Monday, June 28, 2021.

Highway Planning Branch 869 Punchbowl Street, Room 301 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 email: hwy.stip.projects@hawaii.gov fax: (808) 587-1787

Comments and questions can also be submitted on SpeakUp through https://hidot.granicusideas.com/projects/stip

The second round of meetings to share the proposed fiscally constrained FFY 2022-2025 (+2) STIP that will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for approval will be scheduled after this first round of meetings. We encourage participation, as comments received will help to guide the finalization of the STIP.

STIP projects on the islands of Oahu and Maui are programmed through the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (Oahu MPO) and Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (Maui MPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) processes. Once the Oahu and Maui TIPs are approved, they are added to the STIP without change. For more information and to get involved in the development of the TIP please see:

• Oahu TIP (https://www.oahumpo.org/plans-and-programs/transportation-improvement-program-tip/)
• Maui TIP (https://mauimpo.org/transportation-improvement-program-tip) websites.

Follow the STIP on Twitter and Facebook at:
https://twitter.com/HISTIPNews
https://fb.me/HawaiiSTIP

UH Better Tomorrow Speaker Series: How To Renovate Housing Policy In A Way That Really Works

Please join Representative Nakamura as a guest speaker on a UH Live Online Event entitled: “How To Renovate Housing Policy In A Way That Really Works" on Tuesday, May 11 at 8:00am.

For more information and how to register for the event please follow the link.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Smoke Testing For Hanalei Hill Landslide Project Scheduled For Thursday, April 15

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) informs Kauai residents of smoke testing planned for April 15 on the water tunnel exposed by the March 11 landslide on Kuhio Highway (Route 560) near the intersection of Hanalei Plantation Road.  To locate the entrance(s) to the tunnel, large quantities of smoke will be blown into the tunnel by jet fans to force smoke out of any upstream entrance(s). Historic maps from the 1800’s suggest that the water tunnel was connected to systems in the Princeville area.

The smoke test will use non-toxic, odorless, white, or gray smoke. During the test, drones will be flown to assist with spotting smoke exiting the tunnel.  If you see smoke during the smoke testing operation, please call (808) 220-4226.  Once the water source(s) feeding the tunnel is found, work to cut off the water source will take place to improve the stability of the highway.

All work is weather permitting and will not affect the scheduled access on Kuhio Highway at Hanalei Hill. For the access schedule and latest updates visit https://hidot.hawaii.gov/2021-hanalei-hill-landslide/.

Representative Nakamura Featured on PBS Hawaii Insights: Affordable Housing in Hawaii