Facility Expansion: Hawaii

Hawai‘i Moves Forward with New Container Terminal Development

The Harbors Division of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) began construction of the Piers 12 and 15 Improvements Project in Honolulu Harbor with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 21. It is one of a series of projects that will transform the former Kapalama Military Reservation into a container terminal. 

This project involves the relocation of the Clean Islands Council (CIC) and Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) vessels from Pier 35 to Piers 12 and 15 which will consolidate marine emergency response efforts during oil spills. Other improvements include a new electrical system, waterlines, dock fenders and mooring bollards, along with upgraded lighting, roofing, fencing, and pavement.

The estimated construction cost of $10 million will be covered by state funds. Work is anticipated to be completed by May 2016.

"This improvements project exemplifies the collaboration needed to improve our state harbors," said HDOT Director Ford Fuchigami. "Multiple agencies and organizations will work with the community to ensure that we decrease emergency response times during oil spills, thereby minimizing impacts to the environment."

The new Kapalama Container Terminal, with berthing for berthing for two container ships, will, says HDOT, relieve pressure on its existing Honolulu facilities, and "accommodate the anticipated demand of overseas cargo volumes associated with projected growth of the state of Hawai‘i through 2039."

According to HDOT, approximately 80 percent of Hawai‘i’s goods are imported into the state and, of that amount, 98 percent comes through the state’s commercial harbors system. During FY 2014-15, more than 1.1 million container TEUs and nearly 7.4 million short tons of containerized cargo were shipped through the port of Honolulu. That includes traffic originating or terminating in Oahu and transshipments bound to and from other islands in the Hawaiian chain.

State officials and dignitaries gather to untie the maile lei, signifying the official launch of the Piers 12 and 15 Improvements Project in Honolulu Harbor.  From left: Richard Heltzel, President, Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc.; Hawaii State Legislator Matthew LoPresti; Gary North, Executive Director, Hawaii Harbors Users Group; Darrell Young, HDOT Deputy Director, Harbors Division; Representative Henry J.C. Aquino; Ford N. Fuchigami, HDOT Director, and Kahu Kordell Kekoa. Photo/Hawaii DOT