REBUILD OF WASHED-OUT SECTIONS OF MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY COMPLETED

Over 50 Tons of Debris Removed from HDOT Facilities and Adjacent Waterways Between Tropical Cyclones Lala and Moke

HONOLULU – As of 4 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) reports major roadway repairs to the sections of Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) that were washed out due to heavy rains from Hurricane Lala have been completed. Approximately two weeks of finish work such as permanent striping, guardrail installation, and shoulder hardening will continue at the Pāhala Hospital site. Highway users are advised that single lane closures with alternating traffic control may occur along Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) from Ka‘ū and Nāʻālehu as crews add signage, repair guardrails, place barriers, install signage, replace pavement markings, fill erosion areas, repair electrical and water systems, and other safety installations to the rebuilt road. Due to multiple construction zones through this area, the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph from Ka‘ū and Nāʻālehu.

On Maui, Crater Road (Route 378) crews spent time chopping and clearing large fallen trees and debris from the roadway throughout the week. Crater Road has since been reopened to all motorists as of Monday, Aug. 24, with remaining debris cleanup continuing outside of the roadway.

On O‘ahu, crews continued to proactively clear waterways of debris and sediment along various streams throughout the system. HDOT worked with utility companies to trim problematic trees near powerlines and roadways. Drain and shoulder clearing work continued to prevent ponding along major roadways like the H-1 Freeway, Likelike Highway and Kamehameha Highway.

Airports

There is one remaining airport repair for damage caused by Hurricane Lala, which was a blown off section of terminal roofing at Lānaʻi Airport. Otherwise, there were no significant impacts to any facilities, runways or terminals. Due to the forecast associated with Moke, interim repairs were made at Lānaʻi Airport. HDOT will assess the cost and schedule of permanent repairs this week. The repair work is not expected to impact passengers.

Harbors

HDOT Harbors crews have cleared an estimated 18 tons of debris from land and waterside facilities at ports throughout the state between Lala and Moke to keep harbors navigable.