The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works (DPW) is announcing its decision to move forward with the design and construction of a two-lane roundabout for the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Drive/Pua Melia Street intersection. The intersection improvements aim to enhance traffic flow movement and reduce delays presently experienced at peak AM and PM
volumes.
The roundabout design will evaluate several features to provide safe pedestrian passage, including raised crosswalks, splitter islands at crosswalks, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB), and pedestrian crossing warning signs. DPW Director Ikaika Rodenhurst stated that “this two-lane roundabout will be a first for the Big Island and result in a safer intersection for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In addition, the roundabout will decrease vehicle emissions and fuel consumption while reducing vehicle delays at the intersection.”
The County has contracted Belt-Collins Hawaii LLC to provide design and environmental review/permitting services. The current schedule calls for the completion of the work by early The estimated construction cost for the project is $5.8 million. Funds will be provided from County general obligation bonds for capital projects.
“I would like to thank the Department of Public Works for continuing to move this project forward while enlisting the community and evaluating their comments before issuing a final decision. It has been a long road to get here, and I am thankful for the progress made thus far,” stated District 9 Council Member Tim Richards.
Additional community input will be sought during the design and permitting process, ongoing in
the next 15 months.
Any questions can be addressed to DPW Information and Education Specialist Sherise Kanaʻe-
Kāne at sherise.kanae-kane@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8499.