Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth announced a traffic hazard mitigation route (THMR) along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway due to increased traffic as a result of the ongoing Mauna Loa eruption.

The one-way THMR utilizes the old saddle road, with the entrance located directly across from the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area. The route spans 4.5 miles from the entryway to a junction point located just before Puʻuhuluhulu.

The use of the THMR is specific to passenger vehicles only. Commercial vehicles are prohibited from entering the THMR. Parking will only be allowed on the right side of the THMR and no vehicle can remain in the area for more than 90 minutes.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “We are humbled to have come together with our State and Federal partners to find a potential solution to the ongoing safety concerns along Saddle Road. Our teams have worked tirelessly to keep the community safe through this eruption, and through the creation of the traffic hazard mitigation route, we believe that there will be significantly less risk to our community.”

Motorists are asked to drive with caution, as the roadway will remain busy through the eruption.  Signage, barricades, and safety officers will be on the scene to adequately direct traffic flow.

The Gilbert Kahele Recreational Area, including both the lower and upper bathrooms, will remain open 24-hrs a day until further notice. Security guards will be on-site nightly from 6:15 pm – 6:15 am.

For the latest information, visit: https://bit.ly/3GRvCUB