Posted on: Saturday, January 15, 2005
Residents hail launch of Kapolei traffic link
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Kapolei residents are finally getting a straight route into their city center.
Until now, Kapolei residents who wanted to shop or work in the area have had to use busy Fort Barrette Road to reach the commercial and government activity on Kamokila Boulevard. That often meant long waits at what has become one of the busiest intersections in the state.
The new $5.4 million route, which is expected to be open in August, will allow many residents to bypass the intersection and the congestion on Kamokila Boulevard as they work, shop or play in the area, said Donna Goth, president of Kapolei Property Development.
"It's going to make a big difference for a lot of the everyday stuff we do here," said Obed Donlin, a Kapolei resident and regional commissioner for AYSO youth soccer. "It's going to save people time when they go to the library, the shops or come to one of our soccer games."
The new roads also will help residents in surrounding communities by reducing the amount of traffic on Kamokila Boulevard, officials said.
"Even though I won't use the new road much, it's going to ease a lot of the strain elsewhere," said Makakilo resident Shane Kane. "Sometimes getting just the simplest task done in Kapolei can be frustrating because of all the traffic. This is going to provide some relief."
The extensions of Manawai Street and Kama'aha Avenue are part of a push to develop more connections between parts of Kapolei as well as surrounding areas, officials said.
"How you circulate within a community is just as important as how you get from one area to another," said Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who attended the groundbreaking ceremonies and spent the rest of the day working in the nearby Kapolei Hale civic center.
Goth said Kapolei officials plan to spend nearly $11 million on road projects this year, including the Manawai and Kama'aha projects, the designing of a new freeway interchange and the development of Haumea and Alohikea streets in the urban area.
Maeda Timson, chairwoman of the Makakilo/ Kapolei/ Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board, applauded the moves.
"You go, Kapolei, for putting your money where your mouth is," she said.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Officials yesterday broke ground on extensions of two roads that will provide the first direct link between the town's residential and commercial areas.
