KAILUA – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will begin Phase 9 of construction for the Kalapawai Roundabout Improvement Project on Wednesday, April 23, with work occurring along South Kalāheo Avenue between Kailua Road and Kuʻukama Street. This phase is tentatively scheduled for completion by mid-June, with construction hours from Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Phase 9 work is being initiated due to the discovery of a previously undocumented waterline alignment that conflicts with planned drainage infrastructure in front of Kailua Beach Center. While Phase 9 construction is underway, DTS will also begin developing a design solution for the utilities affected in this newly identified area, now designated as Phase 2A.
During this phase, South Kalāheo Avenue will be closed in both directions 24/7 between Kailua Road and Kuʻukama Street. The roundabout will remain open, and motorists traveling through South Kalāheo Avenue will be detoured through Kuʻulei Road.
Residents are advised to allow extra time and expect increased congestion during construction hours.
Visitors are encouraged to explore other beaches along Oʻahu’s east shore or use TheBus Route 671 from Kailua Town for convenient access to Lanikai.
For more information on the project, construction schedules, detour patterns, and remaining phases, visit www.kalapawaiproject.com.
This federally funded project includes several improvements, such as:
- An upgraded roundabout with higher-quality materials
- New sidewalks and raised pedestrian crossings near the roundabout
- New drainage infrastructure to address frequent stormwater ponding, including permeable pavements, trench drains, pre-treatment tanks, and rain gardens
—PAU—