Excavation and reconstruction of sections of Kilauea Avenue and Keawe Street in downtown Hilo are set to be complete at the end of next week.
The mauka side of Kilauea Avenue between Mamo and Ponahawai streets will be the final section that will close for major reconstruction and will be finished before the 2024 Merrie Monarch Royal Parade on Saturday, April 6.
According to the Hawaii County Department of Public Works, the improvement project will not be 100% complete, but the parade will be able to utilize its normal route in downtown Hilo since the roads will be open and clear of construction.
“We are pleased to announce that the bulk of the work to repair the roadway has been successfully completed,” said Sherise Kanae-Kane, DPW spokesperson. “Following the completion of this section, we do not anticipate or have planned any daytime road or lane closures.”
The Kilauea Avenue and Keawe Street Improvement Project began after the Merrie Monarch Festival ended in April last year and was to be completed by August 2024, but has since moved back to October 2024.
After the festival concludes, DPW and Glover Inc. will begin working on the final phase and making any necessary touch-ups and small repairs.
The final phase includes installing the final asphalt pavement layer, along with signs, traffic sensors and striping.
“The final layers will be completed after the Merrie Monarch parade,” Kanae-Kane said. “While nighttime lane and road closures will continue, they are expected to be significantly less disruptive once paving is complete.”
The $15 million rehabilitation project closed portions of Kilauea and Keawe between Ponahawai Street and Waianuenue Avenue throughout the year as crews made improvements to water and sewer lines, pavement and sidewalks.
The businesses between Mamo Street and Ponahawai Street are the last to experience major road closures as the nighttime crew paves the roadway.
The project has affected business at Kilauea Coffee on and off through the year, but manager Kyle Sabate has seen a major decline since the beginning of February.
“We are usually busy from about 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., but it has been slow all day since these barriers have been up,” Sabate said Wednesday. “People just looking at the road think the whole road, including the sidewalk, is closed. Those driving down the one way have no where to park, either.”
The county has warned businesses about the road closures with notices, which also state the work should be complete by the end of March.
Lava Paws, Pinky’s and Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad decided to close temporarily on Wednesday due to the lack of business and parking options.
“We know it needs to be done and are hoping it is complete before Merrie Monarch and definitely before summer,” Sabate said. “If its not, we will all take a hit.”
According to DPW, the project is set to be complete after 18-months of work, culminating with an improved road, upgraded utility lines and ADA-accessible sidewalks for downtown Hilo.
“We recognize the patience and support of the residents and businesses throughout this process,” Kanae-Kane said. “These repairs and reconstruction efforts have been eagerly awaited, and all involved government and utility entities are delighted to deliver these much-needed upgrades to our community.”
For more information on county road projects, visit tinyurl.com/45vkzr6x.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com