Single-Lane Closure Scheduled on Kaumualiʻi Highway for Brush Clearing

A single-lane closure for a portion of Kaumualiʻi Highway (Route 50) is scheduled next week, Nov. 29-30, for brushing clearing.

The closure will occur between Maluhia Road and mile marker 6 (“Halfway Bridge”) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on both days, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) reports.

“The single-lane closure with alternating traffic control is needed to ensure visibility on the highway and safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists,” an HDOT release stated. “HDOT crews typically clear this area at least twice annually.”

Tree trimming and brush clearing is done during daylight for the safety of the crews and need for the crews to see what they are doing.

Kauaʻi is also currently within fledgling season when endangered and threatened seabird fledglings make their way to the ocean from their burrows. No night work is allowed during this period between Sept. 15 and Dec. 15 to reduce the risk of lights leading the fledglings off course where they frequently become disoriented and die.

Electronic message boards have been posted to notify the public of the work. Highway users are advised to expect delays, account for extra travel time, and use apps such as Google Maps or Waze to plan their commutes.