Traffic/Roads

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

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

Hawaiʻi Police Department Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit officer and creator of the department’s new ‘Heal Our Highways’ program was honored for his outstanding commitment to impaired driving enforcement and traffic safety education.

The projected completion date for paving and striping is October, and all work is weather-permitting.

Five of the drivers arrested the week of June 29-July 5 were involved in traffic crashes; three of them were younger than 21 years old.

Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Highway 19) at Kāʻawaliʻi Gulch is now open to all traffic.

Remember: Lane closure schedules can change without notice and are weather permitting.

Motorists were previously asked the evening of July 8 to avoid the area after one lane was closed because of a traffic crash.

The project is located between Ohea and Pūʻainakō streets in Hilo and includes installation of concrete sidewalks, drainage improvements, retaining walls, curb ramps, driveway reconstruction and utility adjustment/relocation.

Portion of Bayfront Highway in Hilo, between Pauahi Street and Wailuku Bridge, as well as part of Māmalahoa Highway, from Niu Street to Kaʻalāiki Road, in Nāʻālehu will be closed at different times.

“This Fourth of July, help keep our island roads safe for everyone. Buckle up, drive alert, celebrate responsibly and do your part to ensure everyone makes it home safely,” said Hawaiʻi Police Department in a release.

Hawaiian Electric crews will be replacing poles from 9:30 p.m. July 1 through 6 a.m. July 2 along sections of Palani Road.

In observance of the Fourth of July, there will be no contraflow or lane closures July 3 unless otherwise permitted; lane closure schedules can change without notice and are weather permitting.

Remember: All projects are weather permitting. Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice.

Hawai‘i Police Department advised motorists shortly before 9:30 p.m. June 16 to avoid the roadway at the intersection of Niuhi Street.

Hawai‘i Police Department Traffic Service Section also reports a decrease in major crashes around the island; however, fatal crashes and resulting fatalities have increased since last year.

Reckless driving reports also increased as Hawaiʻi Police Department conducts high visibility traffic enforcement operations along the highway corridor, often called Saddle Road, as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors.

Crews will mill the highway and install open-graded friction course to increase drainage capability of the pavement and reduce potential for hydroplaning.

36-year-old Kade Smith, who was not injured in the deadly Wednesday, June 3, collision now officially faces charges of first-degree negligent homicide, manslaughter, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, operating a motor vehicle after license suspended or revoked for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and having no vehicle insurance.

Hawai’i County prosecutor’s office reports 26-year-old Nicholas Andreoni was arrested following two traffic incidents during which he was clocked at driving more than 100 mph on a suspended license.