Hawaii's Kona Airport runway cracked by recent heavy rain, canceling flights
The Hawaii Department of Transportation said it plans to reconstruct the entire 11,000-foot runway at Kona International Airport this year but recent rains accelerated pavement degradation, opening a massive crack in the runway. The runway was closed Monday evening for repairs canceling all flights to and from Kona.
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KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HI – Flights to and from Hawaii's Kona International Airport were canceled on Monday evening after a large crack in the runway caused by recent heavy rains required emergency repairs.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation said it plans to reconstruct the entire 11,000-foot runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole this year after cracks developed in the runway. However, recent rains have accelerated pavement degradation, according to the HDOT.
The Kona, Hawaii weather station has received about 1.5 inches of rain since Jan. 1, with 1.03 inches falling on Jan. 9, according to the National Weather Service office in Honolulu.
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HDOT shut down the runway at Kona Airport on Monday to assess the cracks and determine what areas needed to be immediately resurfaced.
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Image 1 of 4A large crack developed during recent heavy rains in the runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. (HDOT)
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Image 2 of 4Crews repair a large crack in the runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. (HDOT)
![Crews assess a large crack in the runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.]()
Image 3 of 4Crews assess a large crack in the runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. (HDOT)
![Crews assess a large crack in the runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.]()
Image 4 of 4Crews assess a large crack in the runway at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. (HDOT)
After the State of Hawaii closed the runway at Kona International Airport, Hawaiian Airlines canceled remaining flights to and from Kona for Monday evening. Travel waivers are available for guests flying to and from KOA on Monday and Tuesday.
The runway remained closed through Monday night after contractors reported it was "not possible to operate around the damaged section of runway," according to HDOT.
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While repairing a 10-foot by 10-foot section of the runway, crews found another area needing immediate repair.
Runway repairs were completed by sunrise on Tuesday morning in time for passenger flights to resume at 6 a.m., according to HDOT.
More rain, wind and high surf for Hawaii
Last week, a cold front brought heavy rain across Hawaii, causing the NWS to issue flood alerts throughout the islands.
Wind alerts in Hawaii through Wednesday.
(FOX Weather)
Another approaching cold front from the west will increase rain showers and wind across the Big Island and Maui through Wednesday, prompting a High Wind Warning. Southwest winds will increase to between 20 and 30 mph with gusts over 50 mph into Wednesday evening.
The NWS issued a Wind Advisory for Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and lower elevations on Maui and the Big Island through Tuesday night.
Heavy rain continued over parts of Hawaii on Tuesday, including in South Maui where HDOT reported road closures due to flooding.
The National Weather Service Office in Honolulu issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui through Tuesday morning.
High Surf Warnings are in place through Wednesday evening for north-facing shores.
High Surf Alerts in Hawaii through Tuesday.
(FOX Weather)