Work Underway for New Hilo Harbor Access

A blessing was held this week by the state Department of Transportation for a project that will provide improved access for commercial cargo traffic at Hilo’s Harbor.

 The $3.4 million project will widen Kumau Street from two to four lanes and improve its intersection with Kalanianaole Street.

The Kumau Street entrance will provide alternate entry and exit points for commercial cargo traffic when cruise ships are in port, which can overwhelm the capacity of the Kuhio Street entrance.

“Hilo Harbor is a vital facility for the Big Island’s east side and these improvements will benefit the entire island,” said DOT Director Glenn Okimoto.  “The on-going projects to improve and expand harbor operations will serve these communities for generations to come.”

The Kumau Street project is scheduled for completion in January 2015. It is being done in conjunction with construction of the harbor’s Pier 4, which will add inter-island cargo capacity not currently being accommodated by Pier 2.