Kapolei Interchange Complex, Phase 2 - Island of Oahu ($6,700,000)
The Kapolei Interchange Complex improves access from the Interstate H-1 Freeway to the City of Kapolei (Oahu’s “second city”) and surrounding areas.
Most of the City of Kapolei and the surrounding area are expected to be developed by 2030, with a substantial portion of the development expected to occur by 2010. The existing H-1 Freeway and interstate is inadequate to meet the future projected transportation needs of the region. The H-1 corridor, Makakilo Interchange and Palailai Interchange were built over 30 years ago and must be upgraded to handle growing traffic demands. Improvements are imperative to address the growth, traffic operation, capacity and safety of the area’s freeway system. The Interstate H-1 Freeway is the primary interstate and regional connector highway in the state and the project has tremendous regional and national significance.
The project will also attract businesses that are drawn to Kapolei’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure and strategic location but that are concerned about access. Higher-paying jobs will be created, and Kapolei’s economic base will be diversified with the development of these technology-intensive businesses. Phase 1 of the Complex has been funded and will be complete in early 2010.
This critical transportation improvement will relieve congestion, provide access for future mass transit options, and sustain a major plan for economic development in Oahu's fastest growing urban area and the designated "Second City" for the island of Oahu. This is a valuable use of taxpayers funds because it will relieve traffic congestion in the fastest growing area of Oahu, which has the worst "drive time" travel time in the country. The total cost of Phase 2 is estimated at $24,000,000; $12,500,000 in federal funds were previously appropriated for Phase 2 of the project.
