Roadwork on Route 180 near Holualoa will continue as the next two phases of repaving, restriping and upgrading signage begin May 2.
Department of Public Works spokeswoman Sherise Kana‘e-Kane said the next two stretches of approximately three miles each that will be simultaneously upgraded are north and south of the nearly completed first phase, which spanned Route 180 between Kamalani Street and Kalamauka Road.
Phase One of resurfacing the highway, improving signage and upgrading manholes has been underway since April 2024 and is expecting completion on May 7, Project Engineer Tanner Wagoner said.
According to Kana‘e-Kane, Phase Two of the improvements, which will fix the highway between Palani Road and Kamalani Street, will cost an estimated $4.8 million, similar to the cost of Phase One.
Phase Three between Kalamauka Road and Ha‘awina Street will cost an estimated $4.3 million and will complete this “ongoing effort to improve and maintain the Mamalahoa Highway,” she said.
The simultaneous second and third phases will see consistent work on weekdays, with drivers likely to experience some delays when single-lane closures are needed, Kana‘e-Kane said.
Isemoto Contracting Co. is expected to be finished with the full nine miles of improved Route 180 encompassed in all three phases on Feb. 23, 2026, Kana‘e-Kane said. She said the county “has been pleased with the quality of work Isemoto has delivered on past paving projects” and remains “confident in their expertise.”
Kana‘e-Kane said the public has been involved in the road improvements through a community meeting that was held last year before the first phase began.
DPW expects feedback from the community, “and we welcome it,” she said, adding the department is “committed to maintaining transparent communication.”
A website accepting community input will be launching closer to the next two phases of roadwork in May, she said.
“As we move forward with the current project, we are better prepared to anticipate challenges, manage timelines effectively, and ensure the community remains informed and involved every step of the way,” Kana‘e-Kane said.
Email Kyveli Diener at kdiener@hawaiitribune-herald.com.