Motorists should avoid Waikiki today as officials expect a second day of gridlock while crews continue repairing a broken water main during the morning rush hour.

At 3:44 a.m. yesterday, two water mains broke at Ala Wai Boulevard and Keoniana Street, damaging the roadway, cutting water to 12 buildings and causing major traffic congestion as morning commuters were detoured down Namahana Street onto Kuhio Avenue.

A water wagon was stationed on Keoniana Street to provide water to affected residents.

The break occurred near the juncture between a 16-inch and an 8-inch main. Both needed repair, and it was not clear which broke first or why, said Tracy Burgo, Board of Water Supply spokeswoman.

Repairs were complicated by other underground utilities, including a gas line that was damaged but not ruptured. A Gas Co. spokeswoman said the line was not leaking gas, but repairs were expected to take about five hours.

Board of Water Supply officials said they expect repairs “;to go well into (today). Motorists are advised to avoid the general area if possible due to traffic tie-ups.”;

By 9 p.m. yesterday crews had repaired the 16-inch main, restoring water to six buildings.