Hawaii’s transportation needs are going to become much more urgent in the next two decades. Leeward Oahu, but mostly Kapolei’s population is estimated to jump from 84,000 in 2005 to 186,000 in 2030. Employment in the area will expand from 25,000 to 65,000, while 32,000 new jobs will be available in Central Oahu. Downtown jobs will swell by 43,000. These statistics as well as the all-too-common traffic jams residents experence daily has brought about one of the most hotly debated issues around town right now: the Rail Transit. When polled, most Oahu residents support the Rail, although they understand that more options are needed to combat the growing congestion in the area.

 Other improvements needed to combat traffic are an expansion of the city’s bus system, focusing mostly on the areas between Leeward and Downtown. Roadway capacity increases will be necessary, including access from Central Oahu communities such as Wahiawa, Makakilo, Mililani Mauka and the Waianae Coast. Plans also include enlargement of park-and-ride lots, "Bus Only" lanes, seperate lanes for carpool and vanpools, as well as increased use of TheBoat. Just this month the minimum occupants rule was returned from two to three people, for use of the Zipperlane and the Nimitz Contraflow Lane. Hawaii’s state transportation director has said that Hawaii has one of the highest carpooling rates in the country, which will most likely increase along with rising gas prices. Go Hawaii!

For more information about Kapolei Area Real Estate please contact John Riggins.

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