The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced the planned speed limit reduction on the Mamalahoa Highway between Honaunau Elementary School Driveway and vicinity of Captain Cook Village Road (mile posts 106.5 and 109.0).

Effective from the installation of new speed-limit signage on June 9, the speed limit in the area will be 35 mph, presently the speed limit is 45 mph. Prior to mile post 106.5 the speed limit is 35 mph and after mile post 109.5 the speed limit is 30 mph. The change is speed limit will make it consistent with the speed limit through this corridor.

The proposed speed limit change will provide a manageable, safe, consistent and enforceable speed. Along this segment of Mamalahoa Highway, there are homes, schools and business. There have been near misses and accidents along this segment of highway, resulting in at least one death in the past five years.