Kaumualiʻi Highway Improvements, Anonui Street TO Maluhia Road
Overview
The Hawai'i Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is preparing an Environmental Study in compliance with Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA) and, because federal funding might be sought, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to evaluate the potential improvements to Kaumualiʻi Highway (Route 50) from Anonui Street to Maluhia Road.
The Proposed Project aims to maintain and enhance Kaumuali‘i Highway as a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation corridor while balancing Kaua‘i’s environmental and land use priorities.
Project Background
Kaumuali‘i Highway (Route 50) is a vital transportation corridor on the island of Kaua‘i, linking the urban center of Līhu‘e with communities in West and South Kaua‘i.
Corridor improvements were first identified in the Kauaʻi Long-Range Land Transportation Plan (1997) as part of a broader strategy to meet the island’s transportation needs through 2020. In 2000, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was published for the “Improvements to Kaumuali‘i Highway, Līhu‘e to West of Maluhia Road” project, which evaluated the widening of the highway over several miles. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued, and construction began in phases. One segment—from Anonui Street to Rice Street—was completed in 2015. However, the full scope of improvements envisioned in the 2000 EA remains unfinished, contributing to ongoing congestion and reduced travel efficiency along the corridor.
Improving Corridor Travel
The transportation needs assessment area extends from the original corridor plan by completing the highway improvements from Anonui Street to Maluhia Road, a length of approximately 5 miles. See the map below.
The Project is proposed to:
- Address current and future travel demands
- Address increasing congestion challenges (a priority for the District of Kaua’i)
- Enhance safety
- Support multimodal connectivity
Current Project Activity: Public Scoping
The Public Scoping period begins Tuesday, August 26, 2025 and runs through September. Public comments will be received until September 26, 2025.
Public Scoping Open House & Virtual Meeting - August 2025
HDOT held an in-person Open House on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Kauaʻi Community College. Materials presented at the meeting are available below for review.
A Virtual Meeting was held the following night on August 27, 2025. To watch a recording of the meeting, see below:
How to Comment
We invite you to share your input to help inform the scope of the Environmental Study, including potential environmental concerns, feedback on the draft purpose and need, draft alternatives, and local knowledge of the area.
What kind of comments is the project team looking for during scoping?
- Environmental concerns
- Purpose and need for the project
- Alternatives to consider
- Local knowledge that may inform the study
How do I submit a comment?
Written comments may also be mailed via U.S. Mail to:
Hawai'i Department of Transportation
c/o HDR
1001 Bishop Street, Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96813-3403
Environmental Process and Study Schedule
The environmental study will follow procedures specified under the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA) and, because federal funding might be sought, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This process includes:
- Gather input from the public, agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Establish a purpose (solution) and need (problems) for the project.
- Define the details of the proposed action and any alternatives.
- Evaluate environmental impacts of the proposed action and compare them with no action conditions.
- Select an Action Alternative(s) for detailed analysis that balances transportation needs with environmental impacts.
The NEPA “class of action” has not been determined at this time but it is currently envisioned that an Environmental Assessment is appropriate.
Data Collection & Analysis - Winter - Fall 2025
- Develop conceptual alternatives
- Public Scoping Open House - Summer 2025
Refine Alternatives - Winter - Fall 2025
Select a Build Alternative - Fall 2025
Initiate consultations on any impact to cultural or historic resources and endangered species and their habitats - Fall 2025
Comment period on the Draft Environmental Study - Spring 2026
Public meeting on the Draft Environmental Study - Spring 2026
Issue "decision document" - Fall 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
HDOT is considering a range of improvements, including highway widening, contraflow operations, and intersection enhancements. During the scoping period, public input is encouraged on these and other potential alternatives, such as transit investments, that should be evaluated.
The environmental study will examine a range of topics including traffic, noise, biological resources, water resources, visual impacts, land use, cultural resources, and historic resources. It will also evaluate alternatives.
Construction is anticipated to begin after the completion of the environmental review and final design. While exact timing is not known at this time and will depend on funding and approvals, construction could begin as early as in 2028. The duration of construction will depend on final phasing.
Construction would likely be phased to minimize disruption. Temporary lane closures or detours may be necessary, but a detailed traffic management plan would be developed to maintain access and ensure safety.
This project is currently programmed in the STIP and is expected to be funded through a combination of federal (FHWA) and state (HDOT) funds.
Multimodal features such as sidewalks, shared-use paths, or bike lanes are being considered and will be evaluated as part of the alternatives in the environmental study process.
Project updates will be posted on the project website. You can also request to receive email notifications about meeting notices and document releases by emailing info@kaumualiihighway.com.
Please email info@kaumualiihighway.com to reach out to the project team directly with questions or concerns.
Resources
2001 Kaumualiʻi Improvements EA (PDF)Submit a Comment
Submit public scoping comments to the project team by September 26, 2025 by using this form: