Hawaii cargo improvement at Kapalama Terminal
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) dedicated the Kapalama Container Terminal (KCT) Phase 1 and broke ground on Phase 2 of the project designed to improve Hawaii cargo handling capabilities at the hub of Hawaii’s commercial harbor system in a small ceremony Monday, March 1, 2021.
KCT Phases 1 & 2 are the centerpiece of the Harbor Modernization Program, which developed capital improvement projects to meet the needs of the shipping industry in partnership with HDOT, the Hawaii State Legislature, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group (HHUG). KCT Phase 1 was completed on schedule and as budgeted with a cost of $174 million.
“The need for expansion and investment in Honolulu Harbor has been recognized for decades,” said Governor David Ige. “Without vibrant, efficient harbors we would have a hard time enjoying life in Hawaii as we know it. I was a senator when the basic modernization plan was approved, and I’m proud that when fully completed in 2024, this approximately half billion-dollar project will increase cargo capacity by 40-percent and ensures our communities can be served in a more efficient way.”
The Phase 1 improvements dedicated included a 65.9-acre container yard, support buildings, entry and exit gates, security fencing, parking, gantry cranes and container handling equipment, on-site utilities, outdoor energy-efficient lighting, a truck weigh station, and other ancillary features. Phase 1 also reconstructed pavement leading to the existing inter-island cargo facility.
Phase 2 was awarded in late 2020 for $352.5 million and will feature an 18.5-acre container yard, 1863 linear feet of additional berthing capacity, dredging of the waterfront and harbor channel, widening of Piers 40 and 41 for wider inter-island vessels, reconstruction of Pier 41, and structural improvements to Pier 40 to support roll-on/roll-off cargo operations.
“The land and waterside improvements to Honolulu Harbor realized in the two phases of the Kapalama Container Terminal project will benefit harbor users and our friends and neighbors for years to come,” said Director Jade Butay, Hawaii Department of Transportation. “The KCT pier, designed at 9.81-feet, addresses sea level rise where we anticipate water level heights of 3.6 feet by 2060. Phase 2’s pier design also anticipates less maintenance over the useful life of the pier structure compared to existing pier designs. These improvements have been built to last and we’re excited to continue this modernization.”
Construction of the new Kapalama Container Terminal is financed by revenue collected from harbor user fees, not traditional taxpayer money.
For more project information please visit http://www.kctinfo.com/
