HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island officials will meet with Hama-kua residents tonight to discuss emergency repairs to the Kalopa Sand Gulch Road, which has been closed since the Oct. 15 earthquakes.

The road closure has caused hardship to more than 50 area residents because it forced them to use a lengthy detour to get to and from their homes.

Roadway construction bids to reopen Sand Gulch Road were due last week, and county officials expect the project will cost $100,000 to $200,000.

Department of Public Works officials will present the bids, update the community on the construction timeline and outline discussions the county has had with two landowners to acquire property for a permanent bypass.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Pa'auilo School Cafeteria.

For information about the Sand Gulch Roadway meeting, reach Dolores Ramos at 776-1666 or dsramos@mstar2.net.

Information about roadwork around the island or other services provided by Public Works is available through a 24-hour hot line at 334-9559, or www.hawaii-county.com.

On the site's home page, click on Media Releases, then click on Public Works, and scroll down to Public Information Meetings.

Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com.