Traffic

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.

Law enforcement is pumping up its presence and escalating enforcement efforts along the highway to hopefully get the point across that threatening public safety will not be tolerated, especially in response to a deadly increase in fatal traffic crashes and resulting deaths.

It was the third fatal crash since Jan. 1 on Saddle Road compared with none during the same time period last year; the Thursday morning, June 4, crash also marked the 15th fatality this year and second within 24 hours on Big Island roadways.

The area in Hawaiian Beaches was closed for nearly an hour and a half.

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

Three of the arrests occurred in Hilo and the other three in South Kohala, according to Hawai‘i Island police.

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

Both lanes of Nāpōʻopoʻo Road, between the 10-mile marker and Middle Keʻei Road, are closed and motorists should drive with caution on Highway 11 between Rabbit Hill Road and Manuka State Park as crews clean up large rocks and debris in both areas.

Hawai‘i Police Department previously advised to avoid the roadway in that area because of police activity.

Public comment sought on draft state plan and Hawaiʻi Island regional plan; plans provide comprehensive framework to guide transportation investment, policy and decision-making.

The extension project that began in 1999 to add 10.5 miles to the well-traveled Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, had been shelved twice due to a lack of funding.

One of the fire engine’s tires apparently blew out, causing the emergency vehicle to lose control, strike a nearby embankment and then roll onto its side; one person was reported injured.

Big Island police seek drivers of the vehicles that fled the area where the pedestrian was killed late Friday night, May 15, in Keaʻau.

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