Speed limit to drop near Pakala Beach

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will reduce the speed limit on Kaumuali‘i Highway later this month.

The change will occur on Kaua‘i’s West Side, between Kaumuali‘i Highway’s intersections with Makaweli Post Office to the vicinity of Mahaikona Bridge over Kekupa stream.

The speed limit in the area will become 35 miles per hour in both directions when the new speed limit signage is installed Tuesday, Dec. 13. Speed limits in the area have previously varied from 50 mph to 45 mph, depending on direction of travel. 

The speed limit is being lowered to improve safety, according to HDOT.

“A consistent and manageable speed supports safer pedestrian activity in the area with the entrance to Pakala Beach and six driveway entrances along this one-mile stretch of Kaumuali‘i Highway,” the department announced this week.

“HDOT has been actively managing speed in areas we anticipate high rates of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

“This improves safety because it increases reaction time for drivers and other users and improves survivability if a crash does occur. By normalizing safe speed limits, right sizing corridors, and upgrading infrastructure with features that guide the user to appropriate speeds such as roundabouts and raised pedestrian crosswalks, we can reduce serious traffic injuries and fatalities while ensuring an efficient system.”