West O`ahu Investment: New Middle School, H-1 Interchange
With a focus on building a better future for the people of Hawai`i, Governor Lingle attended groundbreaking ceremonies in West O`ahu this week to mark the start of construction for a new middle school in `Ewa Makai as well as the H-1 Freeway, Kapolei Interchange Complex, Phase 1.
Governor Lingle speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new middle school in `Ewa Makai.
The new middle school will help alleviate overcrowding at `Ilima Intermediate School and the seven elementary schools in the Department of Education's Campbell Area Complex. It will be a 175,900 square-foot facility built on an 18.5-acre parcel that will accommodate up to 700 students in grades 7 and 8. Governor Lingle released $66,883,000 in construction funds in February 2008 and $3,787,000 in September 2006 for design.
Governor Lingle noted the economic and fiscal challenges faced by residents, families and businesses across the state and said, "During these tough economic times, education is a solid investment that will build a stronger future for our state."
The construction project is expected to create an estimated 400-500 jobs.
The new `Ewa Makai school is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's $1.8 billion capital improvement project plan to invest in infrastructure across the state in order to stimulate the economy, create jobs, meet the needs of the community and prepare for the future.
Governor Lingle speaks with West O`ahu construction workers who will help build the new middle school, recognizing their hard work and dedication to the project.
Governor Lingle also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase I of the H-1 Freeway Kapolei Interchange Complex.
The interchange will connect to the H-1 Freeway from Kamokila Boulevard at Wakea Street, giving motorists an alternate route in and out of Kapolei. It will also relieve traffic congestion at the H-1 Makakilo and Palailai Interchanges.
Construction of the Kapolei Interchange Complex will be completed in three phases.
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."
Governor Lingle and community leaders, including U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye break ground on the H-1 Freeway Kapolei Interchange Complex.
The project is a public-private partnership that 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.
Phase I is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2010.
