The project will fix deteriorating sections of Kahekili Highway between mileposts 15 and 16 in Kahakuloa.

WAILUKU – The County of Maui Department of Public Works’ Highways Division announced that necessary stabilization work on a deteriorating portion of Kahekili Highway is scheduled to begin on July 10, 2017.

The work is scheduled to last until February 2018, although the project could be completed as soon as the end of this year.

Maui County Council members approved $3.7 million to do the roadwork. Discussions with the community about the condition of the road, necessary repairs and road closure have been ongoing since 2012, with the most recent community meeting taking place on May 11, 2017.

“Summer is the best time to begin the project because there’s better weather, longer daylight hours and no school traffic,” said Public Works Director David Goode.

“We know this is an inconvenience, but that portion of the highway is already very narrow, and it will continue to deteriorate until it is unpassable. We need to get in there to stabilize it or that portion of the highway may not exist in the near future.”

Work is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and county holidays (weather permitting), between mileposts 15 and 16 in Kahakuloa.

Advisory signs warning motorists about the road closure ahead will be placed on both sides of the highway – in Kapalua on the Lahaina side and on the Wailuku side by Kaukini Loop at the Cliffs of Kahakuloa subdivision.

During this time, the project work schedule may be impacted by inclement weather. The county is confident that work during the summer months should reduce delays.

The work contract was awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

Residential and tourist traffic will still be able to reach Kahakuloa from the Wailuku side of the highway, or before and after construction start/end times from the Lahaina side.

For more information about the project, contact the Department of Public Works at 270-7845.