HONOLULU -- Recent heavy rains have plagued roads with potholes. Now, the state Department of Transportation said crews are gearing up to take on the problem.

One huge pothole that created a real safety issue on the H-1 Freeway.

The pothole appeared over the weekend on the H-1 Freeway in the town-bound lanes right at the Pali Highway and downtown off-ramp. From the overpass above it you could see cars hitting the pothole with a jarring jolt, momentarily losing control. Other cars swerved to miss it and almost losing control.

A KITV crew videotaped the location for about 30 minutes and witnessed four hub caps lost after vehicles hit the monster pothole.

Just after 2 p.m. on Sunday, KITV called 911 and told police dispatch about the pothole.

KITV was not the only one to report it. The Department of Transportation was called and sent a pothole repair crew right away. Later in the afternoon, the big pothole was filled.

"This weather is conducive to potholes. The rain coming down and filling in the cracks in the asphalt and heat comes out and just helps separate the asphalt even more we've been having pothole problems, especially that one you're talking about," DOT spokeswoman Tammy Mori said.

State crews were working from Kalaeloa to Waianae on Monday. DOT officials said they will be out in force Tuesday.

"Tomorrow our crews, maintenance crews, everyone will be filling potholes with the recent weather it's a problem with potholes," Mori said.

The city allows people to report potholes online or by phone.