Work on Hilo street expected to impact traffic through next year

HILO — An upcoming $20.1 million project will bring traffic lights and turn lanes to two intersections on Kawailani Street in Hilo.

The roadwork is scheduled to begin March 6 and is estimated to be complete in late 2018, according to Hawaii County Public Works.

The lights will be added to the intersections of Pohakulani and Iwalani streets. Sidewalks also will be included.

Allan Simeon, Public Works deputy director, said the intersections were identified as being high accident areas as far back as the early 1990s.

“I know personally, to cross Kawailani from Iwalani is kind of a difficult maneuver,” said Ben Ishii, county engineer.

The work, though, could have significant impacts to traffic for more than a year. At times, Ishii said traffic will be reduced to one lane.

“For the most part, we are planning to move traffic through the area,” he said.

Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy said her constituents had expressed concern over those intersections.

“This has just been a needed project for more than 20 years,” she said.

Federal funds are covering 80 percent of the project’s cost.

Work also includes improvements to drainage, retaining walls and street lighting.

Meanwhile, an approximately $10 million reconstruction project for a mile-long stretch of Kalanianaole Avenue could begin this summer, said Keone Thompson, county engineer. Bidding will begin in late March, he said.

That project will last 21 months and will include left turn and bike lanes from near the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue to Hilo Harbor.

Funding includes $3 million from the state.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.