HONOLULU (KHON2) — Kailua residents working and living near the Kalapawai roundabout have a lot to say about the construction that’s been ongoing for the past two years.
“I don’t know why it’s taking them so long. And I always have to go around if I ever want to go to Lanikai,” said Nancy Arnstein, San Lorenzo Bikini’s store manager.
Residents said traffic can get backed up all the way to the canal, especially with parents having to pick up kids from school and tourists frequenting the area.
This federally-funded project will include various improvements, including an upgraded roundabout, new sidewalks, raised pedestrian crossings, new drainage infrastructure, and more, according to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).
The City said crews are expected to complete phase five out of nine by October 2024. The whole project is set to be finished by February 2025.
“When fully completed, the new roundabout will increase safety and will visually enhance the area aesthetically,” stated DTS.
Workers in the area said getting to their business can be troublesome with all the construction.
“It does slow down. If people can’t come this way, they think all of us are just closed or it’s a hassle to go all the way around,” stated Arnstein.
Others believe getting into parking lots fronting the construction can be dangerous and confusing.
“[People] just get kind of confused about how the roundabout works, especially with all the signs,” stated Hailey Zalops, Kalapawai Market Employee. “I think we need to kind of clear up the area so the yield signs are a little bit more obvious.”
Following community concerns and meetings regarding traffic congestion dating back to 2014, the City installed the pilot roundabout project in 2018 to improve both roadway safety and traffic flow, per DTS.
“The results of the pilot roundabout proved to be effective in calming traffic, while also having minimal impacts on traffic buildup and congestion,” said DTS.
The Kailua Road mauka bound lane is closed fronting the beach center 24/7.
The makai bound lane heading into Lanikai will be closed during working hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Once the makai bound lane reopens, work will only take place in the mauka bound lane fronting the beach center.
No left turns will be allowed onto Kailua Road from Kalaheo Avenue. Motorists have been instructed to use Kuʻulei Road.