The Hawaii County Council has cleared the way for the completion of the Mamalahoa Highway bypass in South Kona.
The Hawaii County Council has cleared the way for the completion of the Mamalahoa Highway bypass in South Kona.
The council approved a resolution Wednesday allowing for the county to acquire portions of nine parcels through eminent domain.
Once completed, the purchase would allow for the bypass to be extended from Halekii Street in Kealakekua to Mamalahoa Highway near Napoopoo Road.
Joseph Kamelamela, senior deputy corporation counsel for the county, suggested that could be done shortly, with construction bids going out later this month.
South Kona/Ka‘u Councilwoman Brenda Ford raised questions over how the acquisition was moving forward, saying she received complaints from one of the property owners.
The council discussed the matter in executive session with Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida.
Kamelamela told Stephens Media Hawaii the issue had to do with a purchase agreement the owner had made with another entity.
After reconvening in open session, Ford said any conflicts would have to be resolved in court.
“Since we can’t fix this, we should go ahead with condemnation,” she said.
The project includes the 2.2-mile road extension and improvements to the Mamalahoa Highway and Napoopoo Road intersection. It’s anticipated to cost about $30 million.
The county had previously estimated construction would begin mid-2013.
Public Works is now looking at approximately the first half of next year to begin the project. It would take about 240 days to complete.
The road now runs from Alii Drive in Keauhou to Halekii Street.