The roadway is closed between Kaahumanu and Puu Poni streets for emergency repairs, said Dean Harvest, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation. The closure is near the HECO/Waiau power plant.

"At this time, we anticipate reopening the roadway for afternoon peak traffic," said Deputy Director Jadine Urasaki. "We are coordinating our efforts with the Honolulu Police Department to expedite this situation to safely open the roadway for motorists."

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and to take alternate routes through Pearl City such as Moanalua Road or the H-1 Freeway.

The initial hole in the east-bound roadway measured 25 feet by 25 feet this morning, but got bigger throughout the day, and repair crews are currently trying to fill it, Harvest said. The problem at 384 Kamehameha Highway was reported at 5:34 a.m., police said.