Motorists Advised to Avoid Kilauea-Pauahi Intersection This Weekend

The repaving of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo has moved to one of its busiest intersections, prompting a notice to the public to avoid the area if possible.

The work in the area of “T” intersections with Pauahi and Hualalai streets will be continuing during the weekend, county public works spokeswoman Noelani Whittington said

Special-duty police officers direct traffic at the busy intersection of Kilauea Avenue and Pauahi Street Friday afternoon. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area this weekend as the repaving work will continue Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Dave Smith.

Because all four lanes of Kilauea are being repaved, turns onto and from Pauahi and Hualalai will be restricted at various times.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the stretch of Kilauea from Ponahawai to Pauahi if possible by using Kamehamemeha Avenue. Those driving toward downtown on Kilauea Avenue can avoid the Pauahi Street intersection by taking Aupuni Street, which goes past the courthouse and county building.

Whittington said the paving of the stretch of Kilauea from Pauahi to the Alenaio Bridge near Ponahawai is ahead of schedule and could be completed by the end of February. The $1.5 million project was originally anticipated to be done by the end of March.