The Department of Transportation (HDOT) is notifying drivers of new left-turn restrictions for two Hilo intersections: Pūʻainakō Street and Kīlauea Avenue and Pūʻainakō Street and Kinoʻole Street.

The restrictions, which will begin on Monday, April 7, will apply to the left-turn movements from Pūʻainakō Street in both directions turning onto northbound and southbound Kīlauea Avenue and from Pūʻainakō Street in both directions turning onto northbound and southbound Kinoʻole Street from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The restrictions will continue every day except for Saturdays, Sundays, and state Holidays.

HDOT is putting these restrictions in place to improve the efficiency of Pūʻainakō Street.

Evaluations of the two intersections found:

• Left-turn movements during peak hours are a major cause of delays and congestion along Pūʻainakō Street.
• Alternative routes for vehicles seeking access north and south on

Vehicle counts have been recorded at the Pūʻainakō Street and Kīlauea Avenue and Pūʻainakō Street and Kinoʻole Street intersections and travel times through the corridor.

After April 7, traffic will be monitored, and post-implementation traffic counts and travel times will be gathered to determine the effectiveness of the turn restriction at the subject intersections.