Hawai‘i County begins Kawili Street paving in Hilo Feb. 2 through Feb. 27

Paving work has begun on Kawili Street in Hilo and will continue through Feb. 27. The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works is leading a phased resurfacing project that will occur on weekdays and is expected to improve a primary cross-town artery used by commuters, students, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo traffic.

The project will occur in phases between Kanoelehua Avenue and Puainako (Pūʻainakō) Street, covering about 1.6 miles. Work began Monday, Feb. 2 and is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists should plan for lane closures and temporary traffic adjustments throughout the corridor during the work window.

Detailed phase timing and traffic impacts are posted by local outlets and reflected in the county release. Now through Feb. 6 work will be between Kanoelehua Avenue and Manono Street; traffic impact: single-lane closures. Feb. 9 to Feb. 10 work will be between Lanikaula Street and Kīlauea Avenue; traffic impact: single-lane closures. On Feb. 11 the work will be between Kīlauea Avenue and Kinoʻole Street; traffic impact: all lanes closed. Feb. 12 to Feb. 13 work will be between Kinoʻole Street and Kapiʻolani Street; traffic impact: single-lane closures, including intersection. Feb. 17 to Feb. 20 work will be between Kapiʻolani Street and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo middle entrance; traffic impact: single-lane closures. Feb. 23 to Feb. 27 work will be between the UH Hilo middle entrance and Puainako Street; traffic impact: single-lane closures.

The county emphasized traffic guidance in its announcement: “Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and follow all posted signs and direction from flaggers.” The county also thanked the public: “The county thanks the public for their patience and cooperation during this important road improvement project.”

Local impacts are concentrated on morning commutes and school runs. “Because Kawili Street serves as a primary artery for the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and several local schools, the impact on morning commutes and school drop-offs will be substantial.” A Feb. 11 full closure has been flagged as particularly disruptive: “Critical Alert: On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the section between Kīlauea and Kinoʻole will be closed to all traffic. This is a major cross-town connector, and drivers should plan to use Lanikaula Street or Puainako Street as alternates.” Visual reporting shows the work zone includes the stretch of Kawili Street fronting Waiakea High School, underscoring the proximity to school traffic.

The county release and local coverage do not specify the contractor, project cost, or contingency plans for weekend or night work if weather delays occur. Transit, emergency access, and school pickup arrangements were not detailed in the announcements; those are practical follow-ups for county traffic planners and university and school administrators.

Plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time during weekday mornings and afternoons, and follow posted signage and flagger directions as crews complete the resurfacing through Feb. 27. The project aims to restore a key Hilo corridor, but commuters and families should expect disruptions while paving operations continue.