Public input sought on ways to improve roads in Kekaha

Kaua‘i County is holding a design workshop to discuss the ‘Akialoa Road Improvements Project in Kekaha.

A two-day workshop will be held at Kekaha Elementary School cafeteria on Feb. 6-7 to discuss how to improve the safety and accessibility of Kekaha, ‘Akialoa, and ‘Alae Roads.

The scope of the project includes the following:

• Rehabilitate and resurface the entire lengths of Kekaha Road and ‘Akialoa Road.
• Implement pedestrian and bicycle improvements on Kekaha Road, ‘Akialoa Road, and ‘Alae Road.
• Improve traffic flow at the intersection of Kekaha Road with ‘Alae Road and Kōkeʻe Road.

A Walk Audit will be take place on Feb. 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Attendees will convene at the Kekaha Elementary School cafeteria. The walk will be along a portion of the project alignment with Department of Public Works staff and their consultant. Observations and suggestions will be shared during this walk, which may be up to 1.5 miles. Before the Walk Audit, light refreshments will be available.

On Feb. 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., a Visioning and Design Workshop will be held at the Kekaha Elementary School cafeteria. The Public Works staff and their consultant will summarize the project and conduct a hands-on activity to allow participants to provide input on potential roadway improvements. Doors open before the event begins – allowing time for sign-in, light refreshments, and viewing the project posters.

All interested community members are encouraged to attend one or both events. See the schedule of events and map below. For updates and more information on this project, visit https://www.kauai.gov/Governmepnt/Departments-Agencies/Public-Works/Engineering/Project-Management and scroll down the page to “Kekaha Road and ‘Akialoa Road Improvements.”

The county anticipates a follow-up meeting to be held in April 2023. The public can then see how their feedback is shaping preliminary design decisions.

The estimated $5.8 million project is made possible with funding via the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and the County of Kaua‘i.

For questions regarding the design workshop, contact Charlene Johnston with the Department of Public Works Engineering Division at [email protected] or 808-241-4885.

Anyone needing an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability may contact Charlene at the email and phone number as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill any requests.