Night work continues on Kūhiō Highway waterline project in Līhuʻe through February

Kauaʻi County’s Department of Water and contractor Alpha Inc. are carrying out night work on the Kūhiō Highway (Hardy‑Oxford) Waterline Project in Līhuʻe, with crews working overnight to replace aging water mains and related infrastructure. Work is scheduled on weekdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning, and is described as weather permitting for February operations.

The Department of Water’s GovDelivery notice states, "Night work will begin on January 4, 2026, and continue through September 15, 2026, on a portion of Kūhiō Highway, between Oxford Street and Hardy Street." That same notice says, "The work will take place in the center two lanes on Kuhio Highway (no left-hand turns will be allowed into side streets or businesses). One northbound lane and one southbound lane will remain open." Local advisories and county web posts emphasize nightly lane changes and traffic controls during the February work period, noting that "The affected area includes Kūhiō Highway, from Kali Road to Ahukini Road," and that "Alternating one-lane closures will be in effect through the affected area of Kūhiō Highway during workdays and times."

The project replaces aged water mains, installs new fire hydrants and service laterals, and reconnects adjacent properties to the upgraded system. As Kauaiwater puts it, "This project involves the replacement of aging watermain infrastructure to meet current Water System Standards, including fire flow requirements." Residents near the work zone should expect "noise, vibration, dust and other occurrences typical of a construction site," and the county warns that occasional water service shutdowns may be necessary.

Operational descriptions in official and local notices differ on some specifics that affect motorists. The GovDelivery advisory describes closure of the center two lanes with outer lanes kept open and a prohibition on left‑hand turns into side streets and businesses. Local notices describe alternating one‑lane closures across a broader stretch from Kali Road to Ahukini Road. Because those differences have direct implications for access and traffic, the Department of Water has been asked to confirm which dates, segments and lane‑closure patterns apply to upcoming nights.

Motorists and pedestrians should follow directions of flaggers and obey posted signs while crews are working. For more information, contact Noah Carter of Alpha Inc. at 808-866-6042 or Scott Suga of the Department of Water at 808-245-5411. Questions and comments may also be emailed to publicrelations@kauaiwater.org. The Department of Water's office is at 4398 Pua Loke Street, Lihuʻe; main TEL: (808) 245-5400.

Night work shortens daytime disruption but concentrates impacts late at night. Expect continued overnight lane changes through February, monitor county advisories for updates, and use alternate routes where possible if you travel Kūhiō Highway after 9 p.m.