KAHALU'U — The state Department of Transportation has reversed a decision to build a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Kahekili and Kamehameha highways, citing safety issues and traffic flow.

Transportation Director Rod Haraga told the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board last night that he has made a policy change for the department against installing roundabouts on state highways because they impede traffic flow.

"What state highways are intended to do is to move people fast, efficiently and safely through the state," Haraga said. "We know roundabouts work. They will slow down traffic. ... But to put them on a state highway and slow people down to 15 mph, that's just not going to happen."

In place of the roundabout, the state will add turn lanes for vehicles making turns onto Kamehameha and Kahekili highways, Haraga said. He said the project would cost about $300,000.

The decision drew praise and criticism from residents.

A water project delayed the roundabout three years ago and a new administration decided to take another look at plans on the books when it took office. But DOT had decided to go ahead with the roundabout in 2003, scaling it back to a temporary, demonstration project that would cost $350,000 instead of $1.6 million for the permanent structure.

Pedestrian safety and potential collisions between speeding traffic were concerns of people who were in favor of the roundabout.

"We want to slow down traffic that comes through here," said Moana Lee, a neighborhood board member. But several people praised the new plan.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.