Reduced speed limit coming to a section of Māmalahoa Highway in South Kona

The speed limit on Māmalahoa Highway between Hōnaunau Elmentary School Driveway and Captain Cook Village Road will be reduced.

The speed reduction and new signage goes into effect on June 9, reducing speeds from 45 mph to 35 mph. The proposed speed limit change will provide a manageable, safe, consistent and enforceable speed, according to a press release from Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.

Before mile marker 106.5, the speed limit is 35 mph and after mile marker 109.5 the speed limit is 30 mph. The change in speed limit will make it consistent with the speed limit through this corridor.

Along this segment of Māmalahoa Highway, there are homes, schools and businesses. There have been near misses and accidents along this segment of highway, resulting in at least one death in the past five years, state officials reported.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation actively manages speed to improve safety on state roads by reviewing posted speed limit signs and consistency with surrounding land use, adjusting infrastructure, roundabouts and raised pedestrian crosswalks where appropriate. Implementing speed management and traffic calming measures has shown to reduce serous traffic injuries and fatalities while ensuring an efficient system.