HILO, Hawaii – There was a large turnout for the second public meeting on the Puainako Street improvement project Thursday night at the Waiakea Intermediate School.

Much like they did at the first meeting held in October of last year, area residents huddled around long maps, trying to see how the project would affect their lives. All were anxious to learn more about the big street widening project, which is restarting after years of delay.

Eventually, the narrow Hilo road will be widened and realigned to connect with the cross-island Saddle Road. When completed, a new intersection will likely greet travelers coming off the saddle. This is phase two of the project and will involve a major realignment of Puainako. On the other side of the street, improvements will widen the road up to Kilauea.
Department of Transportation officials say carrying out a project of this magnitude in the middle of busy school zone and an old Hilo neighborhood will be a challenge. Four homes face eminent domain condemnation so the improved road can become a reality.

After the open house portion of the meeting held at Waiakea Intermediate School, officials made a presentation to the crowd.

ARCHIVE: Puainako Street project draws a crowd in Hilo – Oct. 19, 2012