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For Immediate Release
January 24, 2017 - 12:24 PM

BWS Makes Steady Progress on Main Repair on Kalanianaole Hwy

Also continues ongoing work with other agencies to minimize area traffic tie-ups

Board of Water Supply (BWS) crews made significant progress overnight on the repair to a 24-inch transmission main on Kalanianaole Hwy., which broke early Saturday morning.

As of 4:30 a.m., the pipe was repaired and BWS was working on backfilling the area around the pipe. During this work, one lane heading eastbound will remain open for traffic as they finish filling the excavated area and prepping for paving.

In addition, BWS is currently flushing the line and testing the water; tests will be returned by tomorrow and if the results are good, BWS will proceed to bring the transmission line back into service by Thursday, January 26. 

At 2:00 p.m., a second, non-traditional lane of traffic will reopen to allow for more eastbound traffic from the H-1 onto Kalanianaole Highway and through the Ainakoa Avenue intersection. Motorists are urged to slow down in the area and drive with extreme caution through the coned area. 

At 9 p.m., the second lane will be closed and only one lane will be open to eastbound traffic to allow for road repairs to continue.

BWS is looking to have all eastbound lanes restored by noon, Wednesday, January 25. 

The BWS continues to coordinate with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to improve pau hana traffic flow with the following measures:

  • HDOT, DTS and BWS together instituted a traffic mitigation plan for the peak afternoon commute hours to allow vehicles traveling eastbound on the H-1 Freeway additional green light access to pass the worksite and through the Ainakoa Avenue intersection in order to reach all lanes of Kalanianaole Highway.
  • HDOT has placed message boards to alert motorists to lane closures and road work. 
  • HDOT is suspending road construction projects on major arteries in East Honolulu and Waimanalo until further notice. 
  • DTS will monitor traffic lights and make adjustments as needed.
  • HPD is providing additional officers to direct traffic during afternoon rush hour.

Even with these measures in place, the BWS continues to urge motorists and residents of East Honolulu affected by the traffic gridlock to anticipate delays, plan their commutes accordingly, avoid the area if possible, and limit any unnecessary travel into and out of the area.

For more information, people can:

  • Call the BWS Trouble Line at 748-5000
  • Check the BWS’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BWSHonolulu or the BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com for the most recent updates.
  • Go to www.GoAkamai.org, an online travel tool featuring the most comprehensive information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the HDOT and DTS about current traffic conditions, including a map showing traffic hot spots and traffic cameras. 
  • Sign up at www.nixle.com to receive free text and email alerts about water emergencies.  




The BWS apologizes to the community for the traffic gridlock and inconveniences caused by the repair work and thanks area motorists and residents for their continued understanding and cooperation as its crews work as quickly as possible to restore water service and the roadway.

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Contact:

Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui
Information Officer
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5319