Work will begin next week to remove a large berm of sand on the makai side of Bayfront Highway in Hilo.
The highway and sections of Kamehameha Avenue were closed in late November due to high wind and surf, which deposited sand and other debris on the road.
The highway later was cleared by the state Department of Transportation, but the large wall of sand was left by the roadside, blocking access to parts of the shore.
The DOT typically returns the sand promptly to the beach area following a cleanup, but the process was postponed due to the Mauna Loa eruption.
“One of our DOT maintenance crews … will restore the sand to the surrounding area now that the need for emergency response to the Mauna Loa eruption has diminished,” according to DOT spokeswoman Shelly Kunishige.
The number of days it will take to remove the berm will depend on weather and other conditions.