Po‘ipū Road Safety and Mobility Project blessed, kicking off work on safety upgrades

Kaua‘i County is making some major upgrades to infrastructure on Poʻipū Road aimed at improving safety and accessibility along one of the busiest corridors in the southern part of the Garden Island.

Officials and contractors for the Poʻipū Road Safety and Mobility Project marked the start of the project Oct. 14 during a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony in Kōloa.

“Today marks an important step toward bringing to life a vision that began more than a decade ago,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a county release about the ceremony and project. “This project is about creating a safer, more connected community for families, keiki, kūpuna and visitors alike.”

Key features of the project include:

• 3 new roundabouts.
• Continuous bicycle lanes.
• New sidewalks.
• Crosswalks.
• Bus stops with shelters.
• Turn-only lanes.

The goal is to enhance safety and mobility for all roadway users.

Sidewalks will be continuous on at least one side of the full length of Po‘ipū Road, connecting Kōloa Elementary School to many residences, including Koa‘e Makana Affordable Housing, and Po‘ipū resorts to restaurants and other businesses.

Continuous bike lanes will run the full length of Poʻipū Road, with the exception of the Hyatt frontage.

The project originated from a community visioning process in 2013 and was incorporated into the South Kaua‘i Community Plan in 2015.

Construction is scheduled for completion by December 2027.

“This project stands as an example of what can be achieved when federal, state and county partners come together with the community,” said Kaua‘i County Engineer Troy Tanigawa in the county release.

The Poʻipū Road Safety and Mobility Project will also complement nearby improvements, including Kōloa Bridge repairs and resurfacing of Kōloa Road in Kōloa Town, both completed this year, and other South Kaua‘i pedestrian safety upgrades planned in upcoming years.

It also represents one of the largest transportation investments ever made in South Kaua‘i, totaling more than $70 million.

Funding includes:

• $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• $33 million in additional federal funds primarily through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
• $13 million in Kaua‘i County funds.
• $2 million from utility partners.

Contact the Kaua‘i County Public Works Engineering Division at 808-241-4883 or via email at pwengineering@kauai.gov for additional information or questions about the project.