Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Phase II of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project is slated to start in early 2012, according to state Department of Transportation officials who met with the community Wednesday at Kealakehe High School.

The $76 million project has been delayed to address concerns expressed by Native Hawaiian groups about archaeological remains.

Up to 100 jobs are expected to be filled with local workers.

The second phase widens the highway between Kealakehe Parkway and Kona International Airport. It includesforu lanes with 10-foot-wide shoulders and a median. Six intersections with stop lights, highway lighting at the intersections, and turn lanes are planned.

It is broken into several stages:

* Stage 1 – Keahole Airport to Hina Lani Street

* Stage 2 – Hina Lani Street to Kealakehe Parkway

* Stage 3 – Keahole Airport to Hina Lani Street; some traffic diversions

* Stage 4 – Hina Lani Street to Kealakehe Parkway; one lane open each direction

* Stage 5 – Opening additional lanes

* Stage 6: Final paving, permanent striping, cleanup, etc.

— Find out more:
www.buildqueenk.com
Hotline: 888-440-7988