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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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