What’s Happening on Kahakai Blvd?

By Heather Wingo

Kahakai Shoulder Project

There is a lot happening on Kahakai Blvd., with plenty of speculation and guessing about what might be going on! We reached out to the County to get some information so that those rumors you’ve heard can be put away! As Hawaiian Shores/Hawaiian Beaches residents have seen, Kahakai Boulevard, from Punawai Street to Honu Street, is getting a much-needed drainage update, which will include adding the underground dry wells on the south shoulder all along Kahakai and upgrading the shoulder next to the road.

This is actually a federally funded project from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) carried out by the County of Hawaii. According to the County project engineer, the project was obligated in 2025, and the County awarded the contract to the selected contractor in April 2026, with work expected to begin within 60 days of the award. This project began in July 2026 and is expected to be completed around August 2027.

The contractor chosen to complete this project is Jas. Glover Ltd. While anticipated work hours will be Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., lane closures will be limited to between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Crews and equipment will be working on the shoulder, but due to the size of the equipment and work area, traffic will be diverted to a single lane where needed.

The Department of Public Works project, which will involve digging into the shoulder to add new dry wells, will improve drainage and reduce flooding. The wells move excess water from the road, and the project will divert and absorb it into the ground. It should be noted that this is only the preparation stage, and much more work remains. The shoulder construction, once completed, will be developed to the same level as the roadway and will include driveway reconstruction for some homes, drainage improvements, and utility adjustments, so sorry folks, no sidewalks for us!

With the rapid growth of new homes and businesses in our area, we are slated for other projects for Puna and our subdivision. We will continue to report on this project and updates on future projects as more information becomes available. 

While the estimated completion is August 2027, we must allow for typical delays due to weather, construction issues, and unforeseen logistics. Safety is the number one priority with any large project of this scope. Cooperation is greatly appreciated.

With major construction in our neighborhood, we will naturally be impacted by traffic control, storms, and likely delays. Please be mindful of speed in this area, as we will still have school traffic, pedestrians, bus service, and ongoing large moving construction equipment. The County asks for your patience and cooperation during this construction phase.

For more information about this project, contact Public Works at 808-961-8321.