New roadways in Kapolei improve motorists’ access

City officials opened six new sections of roadways near the satellite city hall at Kapolei on Monday, improving connections for motorists on the Ewa plain.

"It’s incredible, especially for people from Ewa Beach," said state Rep. Kymberly Pine (R, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point).

Pine, who lives in Ewa Beach, said the new road connections will improve the flow of traffic, including a Kapolei Parkway connection to Fort Barrette Road.

The dedication Monday also celebrated the development of a connecting network of other roads, including Alo­hi­kea, Wakea, Mana­wai, Kuou and Kama­aha.

The city contributed $4.75 million and Kapolei Property Development spent $20 million to construct the new roadway sections.

Richard Dahl, speaking on behalf of Kapolei Property, said the roads stimulate job creation by providing access to commercial areas and attracting investment.

Dahl, chief executive officer of Kapolei Property’s parent business, James Campbell Co., praised Hono­lulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s support of the roadways.

Carlisle said the roadway improvements will connect residents to future city services, including a bus transit center on Kapolei Parkway.

"Kapolei is Oahu’s second city, bustling with growth, commerce and opportunity. … The completion of this extension (Kapolei Parkway) is great news," Carlisle said.

City Councilman Tom Berg praised the private sector for contributing to the road improvements but said the city still needs to fulfill its obligation to the Kapolei and Ewa communities.

He said Ewa and Kapolei residents still want the Kapolei Parkway connected westward to Kalaeloa Boulevard and Alii­nui Drive to allow a nonfreeway access to Ko Olina and neighboring beaches.

"It’s not a complete reliever until it connects to Alii­nui," he said.