Lanes closed after crash, sewage spill

HANAMAULU — Traffic was clogged in Hanamaulu Saturday by two unrelated incidents: an accident and a sewage spill.

After a single-vehicle traffic crash that occurred Saturday morning, Kuhio Highway was closed in both directions near the Kapaia Road junction.

Police responded to the crash at approximately 7 a.m. A preliminary investigation determined that a white Isuzu freight truck was traveling along the highway when it apparently crossed the center line and veered off the roadway. The truck crashed into a guardrail and a utility pole before it came to a rest.

The 17-year-old driver, of Lihue, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Wilcox Hospital.

The freight truck was severely damaged and had to be towed from the scene.

The impact of the crash severed the utility pole at its base.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., KIUC personnel were repairing the downed utility pole when they noticed an overflowing manhole and notified the county.

The Department of Public Works Wastewater Division reported the overflow was caused by a partially blocked sewer line that crosses Hanamaulu Stream along the highway.

Wastewater crews were able to clear the blocked pipe at around 1 p.m. and left the scene by 2 p.m.

Officials estimate approximately 3,200 gallons of sewage overflowed. Runoff from this area flows into the Hanamaulu Stream.

The Department of Health was notified and signs were posted along the Hanamaulu Stream. The public is advised to stay out of the water until the signs are removed.

While the sewage spill occurred in the same area as the downed utility line, the incidents are unrelated, according to the county.

Both lanes of Kuhio Highway were closed from approximately 7:20 a.m. to 2 p.m. The eastbound lane was opened to alternating traffic while crews completed repairs. Traffic was flowing in both directions again by about 5 p.m.