Traffic/Roads

That portion of the roadway in Hōnaunau was previously closed because of a felled tree.

The truck was inadvertently shifted into neutral, causing it to roll back and strike the toddler, who was walking behind it; the 3-year-old was eventually transported to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children on O‘ahu for further treatment.

Both lanes of travel were previously closed earlier today because of a severed utility pole; motorists urged to drive with caution as road crews remain in the area.

Big Island police updated the public earlier the morning of Aug. 9 after part of Kapuna Road was closed to traffic the evening of Aug. 8 after utility lines fell across the roadway.

There have been a total of 466 DUI arrests made so far this year, a 14.02% decrease compared with the total 542 during the same period last year.

There have been 445 DUI arrests so far this year, a decrease of 15.56% compared with 527 during the same period last year.

Hawaiian Electric plans pole replacement work the evening of Aug. 6 along Māmalahoa Highway, between junction of Hualālai Road and Halelani Road.

Increased traffic around schools during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal is expected as a new school year begins this week, and everyone is encouraged to slow down, stay alert and exercise extra caution.

Wind speeds decreased below advisory levels and humidity is increasing out of hazardous ranges throughout Hawaiian Electric’s service territories.

Closures are planned for weekdays, unless otherwise noted; All projects are weather permitting and lane closure schedules can change with little to no notice.

The 51-year-old victim was identified as Stephanie Ann Mello, who was pronounced dead at 6:51 a.m. Aug. 1 at Kona Community Hospital.

The earlier closure July 30 was caused by a traffic crash.

While DUI arrests and major crashes have decreased around the island, fatal crashes and fatalities caused by them each increased so far this year compared with statistics during the same period in 2025.

The change from 55 mph to 45 mph, which begins July 29, will be for the portion of Pūʻainakō from Komohana Street to a half-mile east of Wilder Road.

Closures are planned for weekdays, unless otherwise noted; All projects are weather permitting and lane closure schedules can change with little to no notice.

Hawai‘i County reports about 50 residences near the junction of Kawaihae Road and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway are covered by the evacuation order; the fire has burned about 500 acres as of about 9 p.m.

The project gets underway July 27 in Hilo, with work by Isemoto Contracting crews scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; completion is expected by the end of 2027.

Hawaiian Electric crews will replace a utility pole the night of July 23-24, resulting in the closure of Māmalahoa Highway, just north of Kūāhewa Road.

During the two-week project, large equipment will be in the area and parking stalls within the work zone will be temporarily unavailable.

Highway 11 near mile marker 22 in the Puna District remains closed after a traffic accident.