HDOT Reinitiates Final Phase of Daniel K. Inouye Highway Extension in South Kohala

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is reinitiating the Daniel K. Inouye Highway Extension Project in the South Kohala District, Hawaiʻi Island. 

Overview of the Proposed Project
HDOT is proposing to construct the final arterial connection to complete the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (State Route [SR] 200, formerly known as Saddle Road) from Māmalahoa Highway (SR 190) to the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (SR 19). It will be an integral element of the road network for cross-island traffic, connecting transportation users to airports (Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport), state harbors (Kawaihae and Hilo), beaches and resorts (South Kohala and Kona), and population centers (Hilo, Waimea, Waikōloa Village, and Kailua-Kona).

During the next several months, HDOT will restart the project, including preparing updated Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA). The NEPA and HEPA EISs will reflect alternative refinements and updated environmental analyses that build upon and update the information published in the 2017 Draft EIS. In addition, HDOT will provide opportunities for public input throughout the project, including a series of public meetings and the launch of a new project website. The attached Project Information Sheet and Open House Flyer contain additional details and a timeline of activities, and they will be updated at key points during the project.

Upcoming Informational Open House
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
6:00-8:00 PM
Informational Open House from 6:00-7:00 PM
Program begins at 7:00 PM

Location:
Waikōloa Elementary & Middle School
68-1730 Hoʻoko Street
Waikōloa, HI 96738