State declares traffic emergency zone on Daniel K. Inouye Hwy. after fatal crashes

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A recent string of traffic fatalities on Hawaii Island has prompted the Hawaii Department of Transportation to declare a traffic emergency zone along a portion of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.

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From mile markers 5.5 and 28, state transportation officials will implement immediate safety improvements and will evaluate long-term solutions aimed at reducing serious crashes.

Officials said work is already underway. Transportation crews have closed multiple passing zones to conduct sight-distance studies and installed thermoplastic curbs and delineators to reduce several three-lane sections to two lanes, with one lane in each direction. Electronic message boards with safety reminders are also planned.

The announcement comes days after a fiery crash on the highway claimed the life of an SUV driver. Police said the driver hydroplaned into oncoming traffic. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.

Upcoming safety measures include new rumble strips, additional warning signs for curves and downhill sections, high-friction pavement designed to improve drainage and traction, wet-weather road striping, and speed cameras that will alert drivers traveling more than 11 mph above the posted speed limit.

State and county police also plan to increase enforcement along the route.

Residents who regularly travel the highway say weather conditions can make driving hazardous.

“I pray every day before I go on that road,” said Hilo resident Kelly Kahawai. “I am scared because these incidents where you could be driving the safest you can and somebody comes towards you.”

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Kahawai said heavy rain between mile markers 14 and 18 can create slick roadway conditions that contribute to hydroplaning.

“Weather does play a big role in it,” she said. “That road can get foggy, rainy. There are sheep, goats.”

In addition to near-term improvements, transportation engineers are studying long-term options that could include a divided highway, medians and alternate passing lanes.

“Four-lane divided could be in sections, not entirety,” HDOT spokeswoman Shelly Kunishige said. “Again, that would be addressed in the potential long term.”

Kahawai said she believes a four-lane highway should have been built from the beginning.

The traffic emergency zone designation allows transportation officials to accelerate safety projects as they work to address one of Hawaii Island’s most heavily traveled roadways.

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