Press Room

Kapolei Court Complex Taking Shape 
Oct 8, 2009

KAPOLEI FYI

Kapolei Court Complex Taking Shape
Completion scheduled for April 2010

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With completion of construction less than a year away, the Kapolei Court Complex is already an impressive sight, with stands of palms, making the entryway to the court building. Located on Kapolei Parkway next to Costco, the long-awaited Court Complex is sited on nearly 11 acres donated at no cost to the state by James Campbell Company. It includes the court building with 13 courtrooms and offices to serve the Family Court and the Waianae District Court, and a juvenile detention facility that can house up to 66 juveniles. The Court Complex will bring more than 300 jobs to the Kapolei region.

To accommodate attorneys, the Judiciary will provide video-conferencing services between Kapolei and Honolulu, and will also courier attorney filings when necessary between the two locations.

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, who was instrumental is securing state funding for the complex as chair of the Committee on Judiciary and Government Operations, said, "The vision of a true second city must include establishments such as the Kapolei Court Complex. The initial concept was to move all family court activities to the Kapolei area. This made common sense because Kapolei was becoming the new community for young couples starting families and buying their homes; and with this came issues related to the family, which the family court system addresses. Part of the complex is the much needed Juvenile Detention Center. Those of us who supported the Kapolei Complex believe that it would be the most efficient use of government resources to have all of the support agencies to the family court system located in Kapolei."

Maeda Timson, chair of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board, agreed, adding that "The Kapolei Court Complex brings significant family court services to Kapolei and West side families. It will be much more convenient than driving into town and further recognizes Kapolei as a major Oahu urban center. This is another example of what makes Kapolei special - a city built on partnerships between government, businesses and community."

The Court Complex will also serve as an important community symbol, according to Chief Justice Ronald Moon, who is its leading proponent. "The presence of the Judiciary is another step to fulfilling the promise of a second city in Kapolei, as no public building symbolizes the freedom and optimism of this country more than a courthouse, where equal justice for all is at the core of our democracy. The Kapolei Court Complex will be a lasting resource for the community and its surrounding areas."

It is anticipated that the Kapolei Court Complex will stimulate the creation of additional jobs at new projects like the Haumea Center, which is scheduled to open for business in late 2010. This office building will attract a number of businesses, many of whom would be well situated to provide support services related to the Family Court and Waianae District Court.

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Work on Kapolei Interchange Underway 
Oct 8, 2009

KAPOLEI FYI

Work on Kapolei Interchange Underway
U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye appropriates federal funds for Kapolei roads

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Thanks to U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye's role in securing $40.8 million in federal funding for Phase 1 of the Kapolei Interchange Complex and the North-South Road, both projects are now under construction.

The Senator has also earmarked additional funds for Phase 2 of the Kapolei Interchange in the fiscal year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Projects Appropriations Bill that is making its way to the full Senate Appropriations Committee, which the Senator chairs. Phase 1 of the Kapolei Interchange is being funded entirely by federal funds and Kapolei Property Development's contribution of $6 million in land, design and construction funds toward Phase 1 of the project.

While Phase 1 of the North-South Road is nearing completion, ground was broken for the Kapolei Interchange just a little over a month ago. Already, there's visible evidence of extensive preparation for construction of interchange on-and-off-ramps that will connect drivers to H-1 Freeway going in both eastbound and westbound directions, and give them access to the Kapolei area from both directions.

Using alternate route into Kapolei
The project requires the 24/7 closure of the eastbound H-1 Freeway Makakilo/Kapolei/Kalaeloa off-ramp (Exit 1B) until the end of 2010, the projected completion date for Phase 1. During this time, motorists looking to access the Kapolei area are reminded to use the Campbell Industrial Park/Barbers Point Harbor off-ramp (Exit 1A) and enter the city via Kapolei Parkway and Kamokila Boulevard.

Phase 1 includes an eastbound H-1 Freeway on-and-off-ramp for the new Kapolei Interchange at Kamokila Boulevard and Wakea Street, and a westbound freeway off-ramp near the Wet 'n Wild Hawaii water park. A westbound on-ramp at the Makakilo Interchange will also give motorists access to the H-1 Freeway from Makakilo Drive.

Electronic message boards around the construction area provide advisories such as lane closures or detours.

"This new interchange will provide more choices for motorists in the Kapolei area," said Brennon Morioka, state Department of Transportation director. "It is one of several new projects planned for this area that will benefit both businesses and residents as the area continues to develop."

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