HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_09_02_News_Release_Restoration_of_Pohoiki_Road_BeginsCOUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MAYOR C. KIMO ALAMEDA, PH.D.
Restoration of Pohoiki Road Begins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2025
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The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued a notice to proceed
to Nan, Inc. for the restoration of Pohoiki Road, marking an important milestone in the
restoration of infrastructure inundated by lava during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
Starting Aug. 25, the contractor began establishing a staging area at the intersection of
Pāhoa-Kapoho Road and Pohoiki Road and bringing in heavy equipment. The project
involves the restoration of 4.5 miles of roadway and water lines that will return water service
to Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Beach Park. It is expected to be complete in the second quarter
of 2027.
"The restoration of Pohoiki Road represents a major investment in the infrastructure of
lower Puna following the 2018 Kīlauea eruption,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Through this
project, and the ongoing restoration of Highway 137, communities will once again be
reconnected and water service will be restored to Isaac Hale Beach Park.”
Meanwhile, Isemoto Contracting continues grading work along a 3.6-mile-long segment of
Highway 137 that was inundated by lava. The Highway 137 restoration project, which also
includes waterline restoration, is anticipated to be complete in the third quarter of 2026.
To keep residents updated on these projects, DPW will resume monthly community
meetings via Zoom every third Friday at 12 p.m. starting Sept. 19. These sessions will
provide progress reports and allow the community to ask questions. Meeting details,
including participation links, can be found here.
Combined, the two road and waterline restoration projects (Highway 137 and Pohoiki Road)
will cost about $50 million, with 75% of the amount covered by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The County is using recovery funds from the State to cover the 25%
local match.
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Photo Caption:
20250829_Pohoiki Road Job Site
A job site for Pohoiki Road restoration is seen on Aug. 29, 2025. Photo Credit: Hawaiian
Volcano Education and Resilience Institute.
Media Contact:
Tom Callis
Public Information Officer
Office of the Mayor, County of Hawaiʻi
Desk Phone: 808-961-8316
Mobile Phone: 808-767-2471
Email: tom.callis@hawaiicounty.gov