Lane closure, utility upgrades on Highway 19 in Pa‘auilo, staring Aug. 7

Hawaiian Electric will upgrade its transmission line on Highway 19 (Hawai‘i Belt Road) between mile markers 37 and 38 in Pa‘auilo on the Big Island, starting on Aug. 7.

One lane will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Utility trucks will be staged in the Hilo-bound lane, with traffic contraflowed in the Honoka‘a-bound lane.

Flagmen will provide traffic control. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the work area and plan for traffic delays.

Crews will remove 14 poles and install taller and wider poles as well as modern equipment. The work is part of the utility’s efforts to improve reliability and build resilience along the Hāmākua Coast and is expected to be completed by Sept. 15, weather permitting.

For questions, call 808-969-6666.