Final stretch of Kapolei Parkway to open next week
KHON - September 29, 2014
By: Kristine Uyeno
Nearly two years after construction began, a main road in Kapolei will soon be fully open.
KHON2 received inquiries via Report It asking when Kapolei Parkway would be done.
“It seems like a long time,” said Makakilo resident Steven Martin.
“Longer than it should have been,” said Ewa Beach resident Caroline Tumpap.
The project has faced delays and an increase in cost.
When KHON2 talked to city officials in June, they said the road would be open this month. Now they’re saying it will be ready for drivers in October.
“It’s been inconvenient. You try to either take one or two routes that are already somewhat congested,” Tumpap said.
The section of Kapolei Parkway, next to the Judiciary Complex, was completed last December, but the other part of the road remains unfinished. The portion in question is less than half a mile long, but as a main artery, connects Ewa to Kapolei.
Construction of the entire stretch started in November 2012. It was supposed to be done in August, then it got pushed back to September, and now, the city says it will open next Wednesday, Oct. 8, at a price tag of $14 million, about a million more than when the project began.
Sen. Mike Gabbard, (D-Kapolei, Makakilo) told KHON2 constituents continue to ask about the road. The city said the project is behind because of weather delays and issues with lighting and electrical connections.
“When Honolulu got built out over 30 years ago, the decision was made to come out west. So people that have been living out here with patiently waiting for the road and UH West Oahu. Target is in. Costco is in. So anytime a road opens up, people get really excited out here,” Sen. Gabbard said.
Next week, drivers will finally get a straight shot into Kapolei town.
Ewa resident Brandon Mara said he would use it because “it would seem easier to come one path instead of going all the way around all the time.”
“How much time do you think it will save you?” KHON2 asked Tumpap.
“Depending on the time of day, five to 15 minutes at least,” she said.
A grand opening celebration will be held next Tuesday afternoon, then the following day, Wed., Oct. 8, the road will officially open at 10 a.m.
http://khon2.com/2014/09/29/final-stretch-of-kapolei-parkway-to-open-nex...