H-1 fatality,
water-main break
snarl A.M. traffic

A woman dies when her
car hits freeway barriers; Kalihi
Street also is shut down

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By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.com

A fatal traffic accident on the H-1 Freeway and a broken water main on Kalihi Street shut down both thoroughfares this morning, creating a traffic nightmare for rush-hour motorists.

The fatal accident happened about 5:14 a.m. at the Alexander Street on-ramp. Police said a car traveling westbound on H-1 slammed into the concrete barrier on the right side of the freeway at the on-ramp, crossed over to left side, slammed into the median then came to rest in the middle two lanes.

The driver, a 50-year-old woman, died at the scene.

All west-bound lanes of the H-1 between the University Avenue and the Alexander Street on-ramps were closed as police investigated. Traffic was diverted at the Kapiolani Boulevard off-ramp.

Police reopened the freeway at 7:47 a.m. By then, cars were backed up all the way on to Kalanianaole Highway.

Traffic also was shut down on Kalihi Street between Akahi and Nobrega streets because of broken water main.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply said a 12-inch transmission line broke about 4:40 a.m. across from 2012 Kalihi St.

Traffic into Kalihi Valley was diverted at the junction with Likelike Highway. Traffic heading out of the valley was diverted at Nalanieha Street.

The water-main break cut off service to 30 homes. The Board of Water Supply sent water trucks for the affected residents.