HILO, April 23, 2025 – Kona residents should prepare for overnight road closures along Mamalahoa Highway throughout the month of May as Hawaiian Electric undertakes essential utility work aimed at strengthening the electrical grid and mitigating wildfire risks.
Starting May 1st, Hawaiian Electric crews will be replacing 11 aging wood poles along Mamalahoa Highway on Thursday evenings. To ensure worker safety and efficient completion of the project, sections of the highway will be temporarily closed to traffic from 10 p.m. on Thursdays to 4 a.m. on Fridays. The work is scheduled to continue weekly throughout May, concluding on May 29th.
These pole replacements and upgrades are a crucial part of Hawaiian Electric’s broader Wildfire Safety Strategy, designed to harden the grid against potential damage and greatly reduce the risk of fire hazards.
The specific areas impacted by the overnight road closures are outlined below:
| DATE | MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY OVERNIGHT ROAD CLOSURES |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | Between Keaolani Drive and Poli Uli Road |
| Between Kalamauka Road and Kaumalumalu Drive | |
| May 8, 2025 | Between Palani Road and Kaloko Place |
| May 15, 2025 | Between Kalamauka Road and Hualani Road |
| Between Poli Uli Road and Kamila Place | |
| May 22, 2025 | Between Hiona Street and Kamalani Street |
| Between Nohealani Street and Donkey Mill Road | |
| May 29, 2025 | Between Nohealani Street and Donkey Mill Road |
| Palani Road between Hao Kuni Street and Pamahoa Place |
Hawaiian Electric advises motorists to plan accordingly and utilize alternate routes during the scheduled overnight closures. Drivers approaching the work zone are urged to exercise caution and follow the directions of onsite flagmen who will be directing traffic.
In addition to the road closures, some work may necessitate temporary power outages. Hawaiian Electric will directly notify affected customers in advance of any planned service interruptions.
Residents are encouraged to monitor Hawaiian Electric’s website and local media outlets for updates on the project and any potential schedule changes. The company appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as they work to improve the reliability and safety of the electrical grid in Kona.