2 ramps along westbound H-1 and part of Pali closed today
Oahu drivers traveling in town on the H-1 freeway today will encounter two westbound ramp closures.
The westbound Pali Highway offramp and the Punchbowl onramp will be closed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for trenching and removing large rocks, the Department of Transportation said Friday.
The work is part of the ongoing H-1 rehabilitation project to repave the freeway in town and complete other upgrades.
Pali Highway-bound drivers should instead exit at the Vineyard Boulevard offramp, then turn right onto Pali Highway — but be advised that the Kailua-bound Pali will also be closed 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today for roadwork.
Drivers looking to get on the westbound H-1 should use the onramp at North School Street, the DOT recommends.
The Pali will be closed in the Kailua-bound direction so that work crews can trim trees and remove boulders following recent rockslides.
The DOT encourages motorists to use the Likelike Highway or H-3 freeway as alternate routes.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Shooting range plan prompts noise concerns
Neighbors’ concerns about noise have slowed the development of a planned public shooting range at Puuanahulu.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has formed a working group to conduct more sound assessments to supplement previous assessments, West Hawaii Today reported. The group is set to hold its first meeting in February and consists of neighbors, stakeholders and representatives from Waikoloa resorts.
The Kohala Coast Resort Association objects to the project, saying its location is unsuitable because noise from shooting during sound tests could be heard at area resorts.
The association, which represents 60 percent of the island’s hotel rooms and vacation rentals, wants other locations to be considered by the state for the project.
The concept of the shooting range was approved in 2007 by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Initial plans called for releasing a master plan and environmental assessment for the project in early 2013.
