HDOT provides round up of statewide stream clean-ups

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is notifying the public of statewide stream cleanup work to clear accumulation of debris, sediment and brush to improve drainage and waterflow through stream systems to prevent future flooding. 

Streams throughout the state system were prioritized by those deemed most impactful to flooding conditions during storm events. Coordination with county officials has been an integral part of completing work to its full extent to clear drainage and waterways statewide, which will prevent flooding events like that seen during the Kona Low storms in Spring 2026. 

Funding for stream mitigation will be provided through a $9.5 million allocation from the state’s Major Disaster Fund as authorized by Gov. Josh Green and the state legislature.  

Maui District 

No streams have yet been identified as problematic for flooding, according to the department. On Molokaʻi, crews are working on planning and design for culvert replacement at Keawanui Gulch along Kamehameha V Highway. This work is estimated to begin in early September. The contractor will begin this culvert replacement work at the same time as culvert replacement along Maunaloa Highway at Kākalahale Stream. Crews will clear the streambed as needed to complete this work.  

Hawaiʻi Island District 

On Hawai‘i Island, work on Kāwā Flats in Nāʻālehu is in the design process as preemptive surveying and hydrological work is being completed. HDOT is working to obtain county right-of-entry to begin this work. The estimated completion date of this work is Aug. 2028. No other streams or waterways have been identified for clearing on Hawai‘i Island at this time.   

All work is excluding weekends and holidays, weather permitting, work schedules and completion date are subject to change per these conditions. Any suggestions for stream work not listed in this release may be made to HDOT by emailing the Public Affairs Office at DOTPAO@hawaii.gov. 

Special duty police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic control and safety procedures. Electronic message boards will be posted to notify motorists of the planned closures.  

Oʻahu District 

Crews completed the final task of installing riprap along the walls of Kaukonahua Stream in Waialua as of Friday, Aug. 28. The work on Kaukonahua Stream utilized $3.7 million of the MDF.   

On Farrington Highway in the Keaʻau area, roadway repairs fronting the Our Lady of Keaʻau Church to remove sand, and debris and repave damaged areas has been completed. Construction of a new access road from the Our Lady of Keaʻau Church parking lot to Farrington Highway began on Tuesday, Sept. 1. A total of $1 million in MDF has been allocated for this work.  

In ʻAiea, crews cleared Waimalu Stream of debris and sediment, resulting in the clearing and dredging of a 24,000 square-foot section of the stream. This work was completed at a cost of $500,000.   

Flood mitigation along Paʻakea Road has been completed between Morse Street and Apana Road in Waiʻanae.  

Work to clear Kalihi Stream between Dillingham Bridge and Nimitz Bridge began on Monday, Aug. 3, with mobilization and staging of equipment. Crews cleared approximately 43,000 square feet of brush and debris from the waterway. This work was completed on Friday, Aug. 28, with an estimated 3 tons of debris removed from the stream.   

In Kāneʻohe, work to clear Kaʻalaʻea Stream removed an estimated 500 tons of debris from the streambed. This work was completed on Friday, Aug. 14, using an estimated $930,000 in MDF funding.   

The clearing of Mānoa Stream began near Mānoa District Park on Monday, Aug. 3 in collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu. A total of 570 cubic yards of mixed waste (i.e. mud, rock, green waste) has been removed from the streambed around Woodlawn Drive bridge. Crews are now working on stream clearing downstream of Woodlawn Bridge near the UH Faculty Housing. Work is being performed on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays. Remaining work includes clearing at East Mānoa Road, installation of erosion matting and hydroseeding damaged grass. The estimated completion of this work is December 2026.  

On Oʻahu, work has been completed for clearing of the following areas: Waiawa Stream, Waiāhole Stream, and Waikāne Stream. A total of approximately 95 tons of debris was excavated from the Waiawa streambed. In Waikāne, approximately 2 and a half square miles of waterway was cleared. In Waiāhole, crews removed approximately 275 feet, or 30 tons of mounded debris and vegetation from the mouth of the stream near the Waiāhole Poi Factory.  

Kauaʻi District 

On Monday, Aug. 10, crews began the clearing of Kainahola Stream in Kapaʻa along Kapaʻa Bypass Road; using an estimated $500,000 of the authorized MDF. This work will have no impact to the roadway. An estimated completion date will be released as work progresses. No other streams or waterways have been identified for clearing on Kauaʻi at this time.  

For a full list of lane closures scheduled on state roadways, please visit the HDOT website at https://hidot.Hawai‘i.gov/highways/roadwork/.