Starting Wednesday, June 17, 2020, there will be traffic changes on Ali’i Drive near the Kona Tiki Hotel.

The traffic changes are due to work on the Ali‘i Drive Culvert Replacement Project. The existing double-cell culvert bridging the Waiaha Drainageway on Ali‘i Drive, adjacent to the Kona Tiki Hotel, is being demolished, and a temporary bridge has been installed as crews work on building a new bridge.

Starting Wednesday,  the County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works will shift northbound traffic on Ali‘i Drive onto the temporary bridge with southbound traffic continuing to use the existing lane on Ali‘i Drive. The traffic pattern is expected to be in place 24 hours a day for three weeks, until July 8, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The speed limit will be 15 mph through the construction/detour zone.  Motorists are asked to use caution.

Pedestrians on the mauka side of Ali’i Drive will be detoured through the temporary bridge pedestrian walkway. Electronic message boards and road signs will advise motorists of the traffic flow change and speed limit reduction.

Built in 1937, the existing culvert is only 20 feet wide and has become severely corroded due to its proximity and exposure to the shoreline. The new culvert and bridge will have a wider stream flow opening, a longer span and wider lane bridge with wider shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists while reducing flood hazards in the area. The culvert replacement project has an estimated completion date of May 2021.

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community for their patience and understanding.

If there are any questions or concerns, please call Isemoto Contracting at 808-329-8051.