LIHUE >> A $3.5 million project that would remove albizia trees along Kuhio Highway has been delayed until next year to protect endangered Hawaiian species.

The Garden Island newspaper reported Wednesday that the removal project was originally scheduled for April but was suspended because it coincided with the birthing season of the Hawaiian hoary bat and the breeding season of the Hawaiian shearwater.

Department of Transportation spokesman Tim Sakahara says the albizia removal will not resume until early January.

The DOT plans to cut down 2,500 of the invasive trees that line a 1.1 mile stretch of the highway before the animals’ birthing and breeding season starts next year.

Fast-growing albizia trees were introduced to the islands in the early 1900s from Indonesia. They were meant to restore Hawaii forests, but readily topple in high wind, posing a hazard.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

3 Kauai roads to be repaved, rehabilitated

A $2.5 million project to rehabilitate three roads in east Kauai will start Monday.

Portions of Hauaala, Mailihuna and Olohena roads will be reconstructed and resurfaced.

Ancillary work will also be done, including improvements to the shoulders, road striping, and installation of traffic signs and pavement markings.

Work hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. County officials said that, weather permitting, the paving is expected to be completed by the end of August and the ancillary work by the end of October.

Anyone with questions can contact Keith Perry with Grace Pacific at 335-5417 or Eric Fujikawa with the Department of Public Works at efujikawa@kauai.gov or 241-4995.