State removing passing zones on nearly 15-mile portion of Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway in Kona

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is removing passing zones between mile posts 78 and 92.6 — in the vicinity of Waikōloa Beach Drive and Keāhole Airport Road — on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, also known as Highway 19, in Kona.

The passing zone removal is aimed at enforcing safe driving habits and enhancing safety of motorists traveling on the highway.

There have been multiple near misses and crashes — including two fatalities — during the past 5 years related to passing vehicles along this segment of Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.

Passing lane removal is scheduled to begin Jan. 26.

Passing zones will be removed by restriping the centerline with double 4-inch yellow thermoplastic stripes, with work to take about 5 days to complete.

“Do Not Pass” signs along this stretch of highway already were posted and will be uncovered as the passing zones are removed.

Existing “Pass With Care” signage was removed.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation actively manages state highways to improve safety by adding or removing striping, installing new signage, removing redundant signage and the general maintenance and cleaning of signage.

The likelihood of fatality increases in a passing zone for all users of the highway. Implementing the no-pass zone is hoped to reduce serious traffic injuries and fatalities while ensuring an efficient system.

“[Hawai‘i Department of Transportation] appreciates all drivers that follow traffic control signs and contribute to safety on our roads,” said the agency in an announcement about the change in Kona.