Hawai‘i Gov. David Ige and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Harbors Division broke ground for the Kapālama Container Terminal project, the largest capital improvement project in the history of the state’s commercial harbor system.
“In four years we’ll have a new state-of-the-art cargo facility that will allow us to consolidate cargo operations, enhance operational efficiencies and improve cargo handling capacity,” Gov. Ige said. “This will support our local economy while ensuring the continued flow of cargo to our communities through this distribution hub.”
The Kapālama Container Terminal (KCT) will serve as the future Honolulu terminal for Hawaii Stevedores, Inc. As the centerpiece of the Harbor Modernization Plan resulting from the approval of Act 200 (2008), it will help maintain the island state’s just-in-time shipping logistics. More than 80 percent of all goods consumed by Hawai‘i residents and its visitors are imported to the islands, and of that, more than 98.6 percent flows through the Port Hawai‘i commercial harbor system.
The Harbor Modernization Plan initiative has been championed by the Hawai‘i Harbors Users Group (HHUG) and supported by the Legislature since 2008. It identified key improvements designed to expand harbor capacity, address advancements in containerized cargo handling, alleviate congestion issues and the lack of available operational space, and develop more adaptable and resilient port facilities.
Gov. Ige said, “In addition to the $448 million that we’re investing in the Kapālama Container Terminal project, we’ve completed several other modernization projects designed to enhance maritime operations throughout the state. These projects have infused over $140 million into our local economy, creating job opportunities in construction and specialized trades as well as transportation and maritime related occupations. These accomplishments would not be possible without our private industry partners, including the Hawai‘i Harbors Users Group and The Pasha Group.”
“The Hawai‘i Harbors Users Group began this journey over a decade ago because we understood that Hawaii’s container terminal operations had reached its maximum capacity and that the inefficiencies were adversely affecting Hawai‘i’s economy,” explained Gary J. North, Executive Director, Hawai‘i Harbors Users Group.
“The Kapālama Container Terminal project is an investment in Hawai‘i’s future that will pay dividends for generations to come. The partnership we’ve cultivated with Gov. Ige’s administration has given us the confidence to invest in the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessels. They will serve the Hawai‘i/Mainland trade lane, and construct infrastructure improvements unique to our Honolulu operation, including facilities and container gantry cranes,” added George Pasha, IV, President and CEO, The Pasha Group.
