Land Revitalization in Hawai´i

Contact
Wallace Woo (415) 972-3270

East Kapolei
Redevelopment Area
Kapolei, O´ahu, Hawai´i

Brownfields

Background

Debris from former activity on site

Future site of 2,500 single/multi-family homes

Located in East Kapolei, O´ahu, the 400 acre site had partially been used by former tenant, O´ahu Sugar Company, for agricultural chemical mixing, loading, and bulk storage causing significant contamination of the site's underlying soil. In 1995, the Hawai´i Department of Land and Natural Resources assumed jurisdiction over the site. Authority was then transferred to the Hawai´i State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (HDHHL) for homestead housing development.

Summary

EPA's HDOH State Response Program Grant funded Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments on-site. Additionally, an EPA Brownfields Hazardous Substances grant enabled HDBEDT to conduct costly Phase II assessment work on a portion of the site heavily contaminated by pesticide mixing activity. The assessments significantly reduced the cost of redevelopment for Hawai´i state agencies involved with the project. EPA has worked in conjunction with HDBEDT, the City and County of Honolulu, HDHHL, and other local agencies to ensure affordable housing redevelopment on-site for native Hawaiian beneficiaries. Various site remediation plans are currently being evaluated by the aforementioned state agencies and community groups. Estimated site remediation costs range from $1- $1.5 million.

Reuse Facts

Future redevelopment plans headed by HDHHL include 2,500 affordable single and multi family homes, two schools, and three parks
As part of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, the single family homes constructed on site will be available to eligible native Hawaiian buyers for 60% less than current market value
The estate of Joan Kroc has provided an $80 million grant to the Salvation Army to build and operate a Community Recreation and Education Center on 15 acres of the site. Features of the Center will include a performing arts center, banquet facility, gymnasium, aquatic center, ball fields, and a preschool.

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