Gov. David Ige and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Harbors Division broke ground today for the Kapalama Container Terminal project — the largest capital improvement project in the history of Hawai‘i’s commercial harbor system.

"In addition to the $448 million that we’re investing in the Kapalama 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 Kapalama Container Terminal (KCT) is the centerpiece of the Harbor Modernization Plan resulting from the approval of Act 200 (2008) and is necessary to maintain the vital, just-in-time shipping logistics necessary to sustain our island state. 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.