MEDIA RELEASE

The state Department of Transportation (HDOT) advises motorists well in advance of an upcoming detour as it plans for construction of the new Pahoa Roundabout.

Beginning in mid- to late September the HDOT anticipates construction signage will begin to go up and construction preparation work will begin as the contractor prepares a temporary detour route.

The detour is anticipated to be put in place in mid- to late October, closing the Pahoa Bypass and diverting traffic onto Pahoa Village Road and Kahakai Boulevard.

Detour conditions will be as follows:

* Complete closure of Pahoa Bypass Road from Pahoa Village Road to Kahakai Boulevard

* 24-hour detour onto Pahoa Village Road and Kahakai Boulevard

* Temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Kahakai Boulevard

* Detour speed limit of 25 mph

* Left turn pocket lane created for Pahoa Marketplace

The $4.8 million project awarded to Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd, in June of 2014, is expected to begin pre-construction activities in September with completion in summer of 2015.

The purpose of this project is to provide a safe, efficient, and accessible facility for all users including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists.

The project was needed to address safety and traffic congestion as well as address future increases in traffic volumes.

The HDOT is working to schedule a public meeting prior to opening the upcoming detour.

The meeting is tentatively scheduled for early October.