Roundabout to be built in Waikoloa
Waikoloa is getting a roundabout.
The county Department of Public Works announced late this afternoon it is moving forward with the design and construction of a two-lane roundabout for the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Drive/Pua Melia Street intersection.
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The intersection improvements aim to enhance traffic flow movement and reduce delays presently experienced at peak morning and afternoon drive times, according to a DPW press release.
The roundabout design will evaluate several features to provide safe pedestrian passage, including raised crosswalks, splitter islands at crosswalks, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, and pedestrian crossing warning signs, according to the DPW.
DPW Director Ikaika Rodenhurst said in the press release “this two-lane roundabout will be a first for the Big Island and result in a safer intersection for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In addition, the roundabout will decrease vehicle emissions and fuel consumption while reducing vehicle delays at the intersection.”
The county has contracted Belt-Collins Hawaii LLC to provide design and environmental review/permitting services.
The current schedule calls for the completion of the work by early 2025.
The estimated construction cost for the project is $5.8 million. Funds will be provided from county general obligation bonds for capital projects.
“I would like to thank the Department of Public Works for continuing to move this project forward while enlisting the community and evaluating their comments before issuing a final decision,” District 9 Council Member Tim Richards said in the press release. “It has been a long road to get here, and I am thankful for the progress made thus far,”
Additional community input will be sought during the design and permitting process.
Any questions can be addressed to DPW Information and Education Specialist Sherise Kanaʻe-Kāne at sherise.kanae-kane@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8499.
