A new $2 million access road has opened in West Oahu, offering residents a long-awaited secondary route to bypass the often-congested Farrington Highway. The Paakea Road extension officially opened to the public on Wednesday, October 1, and its value was immediately demonstrated when a house fire caused major traffic delays on the area's primary thoroughfare.
Key Takeaways
- The Paakea Road extension, a $2 million project, is now open 24/7 in West Oahu.
- It provides a secondary route between Nanakuli and Mailiili Road in Waianae.
- A house fire on Farrington Highway on opening day highlighted the new road's importance as an emergency bypass.
- State officials have confirmed that speed humps will be installed to prevent racing on the new route.
A Critical Infrastructure Project for the Waianae Coast
For years, residents of the Waianae Coast have dealt with significant traffic congestion on Farrington Highway, the main artery serving the region. The opening of the Paakea Road extension marks a significant step toward alleviating this pressure, providing a reliable alternative for daily commuters and a crucial bypass during emergencies.
The project, which cost approximately $2 million, involved extensive work including resurfacing, reconstruction, and various safety upgrades. According to state officials, its completion required close coordination between multiple entities, including the State of Hawaii, the City and County of Honolulu, private landowners, and the U.S. Navy.
A Multi-Agency Effort
The development of the Paakea Road extension was a complex undertaking that spanned several years. It required collaboration to navigate land use, funding, and construction logistics, highlighting the shared commitment to improving infrastructure for West Oahu communities.
The new road connects Lualualei Naval Road to Hakimo Road, creating a continuous mauka (inland) route that runs parallel to Farrington Highway. This connection is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times for thousands of residents.
Fire Incident Underscores New Road's Importance
Coincidentally, on the very day the extension opened, a house fire broke out along Farrington Highway in Nanakuli. The blaze fully engulfed a single-story home, forcing authorities to shut down one lane of the highway and causing immediate, severe traffic backups.
This incident provided a real-world test of the new road's utility. Representative Darius Kila, who serves as the chair of the House Transportation Committee, noted the timing of the event.
"We shut down one lane, but today was an opportunity for our west side residents to actually bypass Farrington Highway for the purpose of the road being open 24/7," Rep. Kila stated.
The fire displaced seven residents, including five adults and two children. According to Honolulu Fire Department fire inspector Thomas Inouye, the American Red Cross was called to provide assistance to the affected family. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents or HFD personnel.
Emergency Response Details
- Incident: Single-story house fire in Nanakuli.
- Impact: One lane of Farrington Highway closed, causing major traffic delays.
- Displaced: 7 residents (5 adults, 2 children).
- Injuries: None reported.
Improved Access and Future Safety Measures
State officials have emphasized the strategic importance of the Paakea Road extension beyond daily traffic relief. Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), described the project as a significant achievement for the region.
"Huge for the State. For the west side, it’s even bigger," Sniffen said. He explained that the road improves access to Lualualei Naval Road, which is a critical component of emergency evacuation plans for the area. "It allows that access point, on the upper mauka side, that allows better access to Lualualei Naval Road, should there be an evacuation route that’s necessary."
With the road now open to the public, officials are turning their attention to ensuring its safe use. The posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour, and measures are being planned to discourage speeding and reckless driving.
Preventing Misuse of the New Route
Concerns have been raised about the potential for the new, smooth road to be used for street racing. HDOT is proactively addressing this issue.
"The State’s going to make sure that we take actions to ensure that this is not being used as a raceway," Sniffen confirmed. "And we’ll be putting up speed humps in the near future to ensure that we minimize the speed on that route."
Rep. Kila also commented on the need to raise public awareness about the new route, noting that information had previously spread mainly by word of mouth. With its official opening and media coverage, state leaders hope all West Oahu residents will become familiar with this new transportation option.
The Paakea Road extension is now a permanent, 24/7 fixture of the Waianae Coast's road network, offering a long-overdue solution to one of the area's most persistent challenges.
