A recently installed traffic signal on Henry Street at the entrance to Niumalu Market Place in Kailua-Kona (makai of Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and mauka of Kuakini Highway, where the new Safeway will be) will start working on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.  In order to prepare motorists for the new signal light, the traffic signal will start flashing between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. next Monday, October 5, 2020, for 48 hours. Then mid-morning on Wednesday October 7, 2020, the traffic signal at the intersection will become permanently operational.

From October 5 to October 7, the signal will flash yellow on Henry Street and flash red on the side street to the Niumalu Market Place. During the 48 hours of flashing, vehicles are not required to stop on Henry Street when flashing yellow, but they should proceed with caution, and it is suggested they slow down and remain alert.  The flashing red signal on the Niumalu Market Place side street should be treated like a stop sign.

There will be message boards near the intersection alerting drivers of the flashing lights.

Safeway employees are already at work inside the new store preparing it for opening before the end of the year.  They say the new Safeway will have all new shelving and interior furnishings, and will be stocked with all new food and supplies.  The sign is already on the new Safeway, there’s a Safeway sign on Henry Street, and the gas station signs are up on Henry Street (but with no prices, yet).   There is no word what may move into the space of the existing Safeway, on Henry Street between Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and Palani Road.

If there are any questions or concerns about the traffic light, please call the County Department of Public Works Traffic Division at (808) 961-8341.

Attached photo is the signal from Henry Street.

Below, the signal from the Niumalu Market Place existing onto Henry Street