NR 08-26-26 (Puhi Road construction scheduled through December 2026)

PUHI – The Department of Public Works and its contractor, Kaiwa Construction, are announcing that construction on Puhi Road is ongoing, with completion of the project anticipated in December 2026, weather permitting.

The project was delayed after crews encountered wet soil conditions in Puhi that made it difficult to properly compact the roadway base. To move the work forward, crews adjusted their approach and are now using a reinforcing material called geogrid to strengthen the ground beneath the road. This method may also serve as a long-term solution for other County projects that encounter similar soil conditions.

“The Department of Public Works recognizes that this project has faced multiple delays,” said County Engineer Troy Tanigawa. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused for the Puhi community and those who travel through the area each day.”

A full road closure along a portion of Puhi Road in Puhi began in summer 2025 and has been in effect 24 hours a day, affecting Puhi Road between the intersection of Haleukana Street and Hanalima Street.

Crews are currently working to repave the roadway in preparation for reopening Puhi Road to one lane of traffic. Updates will be provided in future news releases as the project progresses.

Please make the appropriate arrangements to accommodate the necessary road closures and allow extra time to get to destinations. During this time, the work zone is a no-parking area. Flaggers will be positioned at the work zone to direct traffic.

For more information or questions, please contact Kaiwa Construction at 808-828-1157 or Kathleen Horgan at 808-241-4873 and khorgan@kauai.gov.

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