Originally slated to open in April, the completion of improvements to Paakea Road — which would provide secondary access for a roughly six-mile stretch between Nanakuli and Mailiili Beach — has been moved to the fall of 2025.

According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the primary reason for the delay is the acquisition of land needed for HDOT to do the work and open the road for public use. This involves acquiring private properties along Paakea Road between Mailiili Road and Hakimo Road; transfer of the city-owned portion of Paakea Road between Hakimo Road and Lualualei Naval Road to the state; and obtaining the easement on Lualualei Naval Road from Farrington Highway to Paakea Road.

“Having a dependable, round-the-clock alternative to Farrington Highway is important for Waianae Coast residents for emergencies and daily commutes,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen in a release. “HDOT continues to work on cost-effective measures like the Paakea Road Improvements to increase the reliability of our ground transportation systems.”

The work involves the completion of road resurfacing, including cold planing and pavement reconstruction where needed; gate removal; and other construction to meet public road standards such as upgrade to guardrails, guardrail end treatments, signage, striping and bridge railings.

“Every day, our community faces heavy traffic along Farrington Highway and the constant risk of having only one way in and out,” said Representative Darius K. Kila (D-44 Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Maili). “Having alternate routes is a necessity for the residents of the Waianae Coast. When you talk to people in our community, it becomes clear that this isn’t just about reducing traffic, it’s about protecting lives and ensuring we’re prepared in times of emergency.”