H-1 Freeway Kapolei Interchange Complex Breaks Ground
7/6: Governor Linda Lingle, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, state DOT officials, and representatives from Kapolei Property Development and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., today celebrated the groundbreaking of the first phase of the H-1 Freeway Kapolei Interchange Complex, which will construct connecting ramps to the Makakilo and Palailai Interchanges.
From left to right: Rep. Kymberly Pine, Rep. Karen Awana, Rep. Sharon Har, HDCC President Bill Wilson, Sen. Mike Gabbard, DOT Director Brennon Morioka, Sen. J Kalani English, Gov. Linda Lingle, Sen. Daniel Inouye, Abraham Wong, David Rae, Sen. Will Espero
Governor Linda Lingle, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, officials from the state Department of Transportation (DOT), and representatives from Kapolei Property Development and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc. today celebrated the groundbreaking of the first phase of the H-1 Freeway Kapolei Interchange Complex, which will include connecting ramps to the Makakilo and Palailai Interchanges.
Construction of the Kapolei Interchange Complex is a multi-phase project aimed at easing the flow of traffic in and out of the Kapolei area (see attached map).
Phase I of the project consists of a new eastbound H-1 Freeway on- and off-ramp for the new Kapolei Interchange at Kamokila Boulevard and Wakea Street, as well as a new westbound freeway off-ramp near the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawai‘i water park. The new westbound on-ramp at the Makakilo Interchange will also provide motorists with access to the H-1 Freeway from Makakilo Drive.
“Traffic congestion continues to have a major impact on our residents’ quality of life,” said Governor Lingle. “The Kapolei Interchange is another collaborative and innovative solution by the state, federal government and the private sector that will improve driving conditions for motorists. In addition, this investment in the future of West O‘ahu will help stimulate our economy and create jobs in the construction and related industries.”
“This new interchange will provide more choices for motorists in the Kapolei area,” said state DOT director, Brennon Morioka. “It is one of several new projects planned for this area that will benefit both businesses and residents as the area continues to develop.”
The cost of the first phase of the project is estimated at $16.6 million, including $15.6 million in federal funds, $1 million from Kapolei Property Development and $26,470 from other sources. Kapolei Property also donated 7.8 acres of land for Phase 1 of the interchange, bringing its total contribution to approximately $6 million. No state funds are being used for Phase 1.
“The Kapolei Interchange Complex is a public-private partnership that will play an important role in improving access and the smooth flow of traffic in and about the City of Kapolei, the fastest growing urban area in the State,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye. “I am pleased to be able to play a small part in the realization of this important project.”
“The Kapolei Interchange is a significant project that will help infrastructure to keep pace with the extraordinary growth of Kapolei,” said Dave Rae, Kapolei Property Development’s senior vice president for development. “We are pleased to be a part of this important public-private partnership.”
Phase II of the project will provide additions to the new Kapolei Interchange, including a concrete H-1 Freeway overpass, a westbound off-ramp from H-1 Freeway to Wakea Street, and a new westbound on-ramp onto Farrington Highway. Subsequent phases will include new on and off-ramps for the Palailai and Makakilo interchanges.
Phase I of the project is anticipated to be complete early 2011.
Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company has been contracted for this project.
