Emergency Repairs to Kaua‘i Belt Road Will Retain and Strengthen Wai‘oli Bridge, Demolish Two Other Historic Bridges

8/17/2018: On April 13, 2018, a storm event with heavy rains caused flooding, landslides and extensive damage to Kūhiō Highway from Hā‘ena to Hanalei on Kaua‘i. Governor David Ige proclaimed an emergency and disaster on April 15, followed by a federal disaster proclamation by President Donald Trump on May 8.

The emergency declarations allowed the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to plan emergency repairs for the road. The impacted segment of the highway is listed on the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places and includes multiple one-lane historic bridges that contribute to the historic district.

The emergency road work affects 26 sites, including 17 slope cleanup areas, three stabilization sites, a wall replacement and debris removal. The area most impacted is located near mile post 6.5, which is designated as Repair Site #2.

HDOT said that heavy equipment is needed for debris removal and road work at Repair Site #2. The crews plan to use a crane and a large backhoe in addition to the smaller equipment already on site. However, the equipment is too heavy for the existing historic bridges at Waikoko, Waipa and Wai‘oli. The bridges are rated for eight ton loads and the equipment is 20 tons. HDOT therefore proposed to rehabilitate and strengthen Wai‘oli and replace Waikoko and Waipa Bridges to accommodate the heavy equipment.

The agencies consulted with Hanalei Roads Committee, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Hanalei Watershed Hui, Waikoko ‘Ohana, Hui Ho‘omalu I Ka ‘Āina and the Konohiki Restoration Project about the effect on historic properties. The consultation process resulted in a Memorandum of Agreement to avoid, minimize or mitigate effects.

The original proposal was to replace Wai‘oli Bridge, but as a result of community consultation, HDOT agreed to instead strengthen it using a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) wrap on the supports while keeping the existing deck, railings and travelway. The bridge will retain its historic character and be fortified to carry the loads. The FRP looks like concrete and does not add noticeable bulk or mass.

However, HDOT said the FRP would not be sufficient to address issues with the other two bridges, so it plans to replace Waipa and Waikoko Bridges. Community members continue to voice concerns and opposition to the plans to demolish the two bridges and have asked HDOT to consider alternative ways to reach Repair Site #2, such as by using temporary bridges or to bring the equipment in by sea.

The MOA assumes the bridges will be replaced. The design parameters for the new bridges requires that they continue to be single-lane, retain the historic alignment and view sheds, include parapet railings similar to the existing bridges and be designed in keeping with the design standards and rural character outlined in the Kūhiō Highway Historic Roadway Corridor Plan.

HDOT also committed to additional mitigation measures, including addressing the comprehensive issues related to Kauai’s bridges, accelerating maintenance on Hanalei Bridge, HAER documentation, updating the district nomination form, and accommodating a community gathering before starting work on the bridges.

The other road repairs will use natural-colors and be screened with plants and rock finishes. They are not expected to detract from the historic character or setting. HDOT’s archeological report found that the area to be disturbed is not likely to have cultural deposits, but they will have monitoring during construction and a provision to address inadvertent discoveries.