The Kauaʻi County Council last week sped up plans to expand 15-mph speed limits on several roads surrounding Kalaheo Elementary School, making the lower limit apply around the clock rather than only during designated school hours.
Resolution 2026-25 would establish a 15-mph maximum speed on Hokua Road, Maka Road and Polaris Road along their entire lengths, as well as on Puʻu Road from Papalina Road to Maka Road.
The measure also sets a 25-mph limit on Puʻu Road between its northernmost and southernmost intersections with Papalina Road.
The County Department of Public Works recommended the changes after an engineering and traffic investigation.
The department cited the roads’ proximity to Kalaheo Elementary School when recommending that the 15-mph limits be in effect 24 hours a day on a pilot basis rather than only during school hours.
The resolution would repeal a 2017 measure that established a 15-mph school zone on Polaris Road and portions of Puʻu Road and Hokua Road.
It also would remove Hokua Road, Maka Road and Polaris Road from the county’s existing list of roads subject to a 25-mph maximum speed limit. Maka Road currently is listed as a 15-mph school zone under a separate resolution, but the new measure would replace that provision with a countywide 15-mph limit along the road.
Under the resolution, the Department of Public Works would be responsible for installing signs identifying the new speed limits and applicable time periods.
The measure was introduced by Kauaʻi County Councilmember Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. Violations of the county Traffic Code would remain subject to the penalties provided under Chapter 16 of the Kauaʻi County Code.
The resolution also states that the new limits would take effect upon approval and the posting of appropriate signs.
