The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced Wednesday that it awarded the Kapalama Container Terminal Phase 2 project to Kiewit Infrastructure West.
Kiewit will complete the project, which is the cornerstone of the Harbors Modernization Plan, the largest capital improvement project in Hawaii harbors history. Designed to increase operational efficiency, provide better resiliency of the critical maritime infrastructure, and significantly reduce traffic on the surrounding roadways, the project is estimated to cost $350 million.
“This project is proceeding at a critical time when our state needs it most as we continue fighting COVID-19 and its impacts,” said Gov. David Ige. “The work will be performed by local talent and infuse hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy, in addition to improving our harbor system that will benefit the state for decades to come.”
The project will add 18.5 acres of fast-land at Piers 40-43, including 1,860 linear feet of new berthing space for two container ships to dock simultaneously. Additionally, it will provide space for six gantry cranes. The work also includes dredging along the waterfront and up to the federal channel and widening the water basin between Piers 40 and 41 to create barge berthing space along Pier 41.
The project will increase the pier height to match elevated backlands constructed in phase 1 of the project to address sea-level rise.
Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2021 and be completed by winter 2023.
“The Kapalama Container Terminal project is especially exciting because it will add much-needed docking and cargo space that will increase efficiency for harbor users, help reduce traffic around Honolulu Harbor, and address sea-level concerns for the facility,” said Director Jade Butay, Hawaii Department of Transportation. “The Kapalama Container Terminal improvements is a project we can all be proud of.”