Pothole complaints in Honolulu increased following Kona Low
HONOLULU – The recent Kona Low weather system brought heavy rains to the Hawaiian islands, resulting in an increase in pothole complaints across Honolulu. While East Maui experienced the most significant impacts from the storm, with landslides, swollen streams, and flooding damaging the Hana Highway, Honolulu saw its fair share of trouble as well.
Although no major flooding occurred on Oahu, the heavy rains led to the formation of potholes or the deterioration of existing patches on the island’s roads. The city and county of Honolulu reported a surge in pothole requests, indicating a growing concern among motorists. Last week, the city received 11 pothole requests, but this week those figures jumped to 24 phone calls and 29 online requests. The majority of calls originated from Honolulu, followed by Kailua/Kaneohe, Pearl City/Wahiawa, and Laie.
Meanwhile, the state reported receiving 16 pothole complaints for its Oahu roads, six more than the previous week. The spread of potholes poses a danger to drivers, and one auto repairman emphasized the importance of being cautious and attentive on the roads. Frank Young, owner of K&Y Auto Service, warned that even hitting a small pothole at low speeds can cause significant damage to a vehicle.
To address the issue, city and state authorities have been actively removing debris and patching up potholes, but they acknowledge that this is merely a temporary solution. The state has been carrying out major repaving projects using newer materials designed to provide longer-lasting results. By reconstructing the base under the pavement and using materials like stone matrix asphalt and polymer-modified asphalt, officials hope to create roads with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
Ed Sniffen, the Hawaii Department of Transportation director, remarked that the newly paved roads have fared well during the heavy rains. However, he cautioned that until the roads are completely repaved, drivers must remain aware of the location of potholes, as the patchwork is only a temporary fix.
In light of the increasing number of pothole-related incidents, drivers are advised to document any damage caused by potholes. Motorists should note whether the pothole is on a city or state road, take photographs of both the pothole and their damaged vehicle, and report the incident to the respective authorities.
While Honolulu faced some challenges with potholes following the Kona Low, other islands in Hawaii also experienced the storm’s impact. Maui County dealt with road closures, especially on Piilani Highway between Ulupalakua and Nuu, where heavy rain caused the road to wash out. On Hawaii Island, Honokaa, Piihonua, and Papaikou Gym were temporarily closed but are expected to reopen soon.
Overall, the Kona Low served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and improving Hawaii’s roads. While efforts are being made to address the immediate issues caused by the storm, long-term solutions, such as thorough road reconstruction and the use of more durable materials, are key to ensuring safer journeys for all motorists.
