Highway 11 Repaving Projects Announced
By Kaʻū News Team
An estimated $123 million in Highway 11 repaving projects planned over the next five years, including several in Kaʻū, were announced by state Rep. Jeanné Kapela in August. Mahalo to Kapela for sharing these updates with the community and working hard to advocate for the repaving of Highway 11. A list of scheduled construction projects recently obtained by Kaʻū News outlines the timeline to address pothole-ridden sections of the highway, revealing that several of the repairs are slated for years away.
Local projects include an estimated cost of $6.9 million to rehabilitate Mamalahoa Highway between Ohai Road in Naʻālehu and Kaulia Road in Waiʻōhinu (mileposts 63.2 – 66.02), slated to begin in 2028. Following that, a project with an estimated cost of $20.2 million for nearly nine miles of highway near Pāhala (mileposts 48.83 – 57.61) is scheduled for 2029.
Extensive Volcano Road rehabilitation projects are also on the timeline:
2026: Estimated cost $23.3 million for the stretch from Oshiro Road near Mountain View to Ali’i Koa Street in Volcano (mileposts 16.49 – 23.53).
2027: Estimated cost $15.5 million to continue that work out to milepost 27.9 in Volcano, plus a separate project with an estimated cost of $1.3 million from East Kipimana Street in Keaʻau to Huina Road in Kurtistown (mileposts 6.66 – 9.75).
2030: Estimated cost $15.7 million for the stretch between Waianuhea Place to the Keaʻau-Pāhoa Bypass Road (mileposts 3.27 – 6.66).
Other planned refurbishments across the island include:
2026: Estimated cost $1 million for Kuakini Highway Preservation between Nahenahe Loop and Walua Road (mileposts 113.47 – 116.47).
2027: Estimated cost $19.9 million for Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo, from Kamehameha Avenue to Waianuhea Place (mileposts 0 – 3.27).
2029: Estimated cost $1 million for Mamalahoa Highway Preservation between Captain Cook and Keauhou, from Kiloa Road to Hooper Villa Road (mileposts 109.02 – 113.47).
2031: Estimated cost $18.6 million for roadway near Miloli’i from the Old Mamalahoa Highway to Papalani Road (mileposts 84.2 – 89.07).
Submit a road conditions report to push for the expedition of any project listed above. More reports mean more action. Scan the QR code or click here to access the Hawaiʻi County Public Works road and pothole reporting page to make your voice heard.
