Both lanes open on Kamehameha Highway at Kualoa following landslide
HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - State crews spent all night clearing a landslide that closed the road for 17 hours near Kualoa Ranch. And officials warn more landslides are possible.
The landslide happened about 6 p.m. Wednesday, shutting down Kamehameha Highway. It was reopened about 2 p.m., in time for afternoon commuters.
Crews had to clear, trees and mud that came down on the highway.
The threat of more rain is the real concern as residents had to take the long way to work and home. They’re worried more wet weather could mean more landslides.
Forecasters also say the ground has been saturated after days of heavy rains.
“We know that the road shuts down and yesterday we knew that we had to leave,” said Kaaawa resident Maile Alau. “We just barely made it through that point, the first part of the landslide had already started to happen.”
Meanwhile, the state is also working to clear a major landslide on Kuhio Highway near Hanalei Hill.
Officials said the landslide is blocking the entire roadway in the area. They have not provided an estimate of when the highway will reopen again.
The severe weather this week has wreaked havoc for parts of the state, causing severe damage to infrastructure and properties.
Officials warn the threat of heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding could linger over the next few days.
This story will be updated.
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