May 7, 2024 - Kapolei

Aloha, Friend!

Discover the rich history of Kapolei, the vibrant second City of Oahu. Join us on an exciting journey as we delve into the fascinating stories and cultural heritage that make this place unique.

Here are the highlights for this week:

• Design in the Islands: History of Kapolei, the Second City of Oahu.

• Vibrant Lifestyle: The History of the Hawaiian Railway Society.

• Oahu Neighborhoods: Native Hawaiians, State of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.

• Real Estate in Honolulu: What’s happening in Kapolei?

Design in the Islands: History of Kapolei, the Second City of Oahu.

Kapolei, often called the "second city" of Oahu, has a rich history of transforming from a vision to a vibrant, master-planned community. The area's development is closely tied to the legacy of James Campbell, an Irish carpenter who arrived in Hawaii in the mid-19th century and became one of the State's most successful business pioneers.

In 1877, James Campbell purchased 41,000 acres of arid land on Oahu's Ewa plain for $95,000. He invested in drilling Hawaii's first artesian well, which uncovered a vast water reserve, transforming the barren landscape into a flourishing sugar plantation. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for the region's future development.

The Kapolei master plan was drafted in 1955 to create a balanced urban environment that included agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential uses. The plan was revised several times, with significant updates in 1974 and the adoption of the new General Provision Plan in 1977, which officially designated Kapolei as the "second urban center" (SUC) on Oahu.

Kapolei's development gained momentum in the following decades. The completion of Barbers Point deep draft harbor in 1985 marked a significant step in Kapolei's development, facilitating large-scale shipping and industrial activities. Groundbreaking for the City of Kapolei occurred in 1990, signaling the start of intensive construction and development efforts. The first government office building opened in Kapolei in 1998.

Kapolei continued to grow by establishing critical infrastructure, commercial centers, educational institutions, and residential communities in the 2000s and beyond. Notable developments include the opening of the Kapolei Judiciary Complex in 2010 and the groundbreaking of the Honolulu Rail Transit in 2011, which further connected Kapolei to the rest of Oahu.

Today, Kapolei is a thriving community that embodies the vision of its planners. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of over 21,411 residents and a population density of 4,900.7 inhabitants per square mile. The City boasts a diverse racial makeup, a median household income significantly above the national average, and a variety of amenities and attractions, such as the Ko Olina Resort area, shopping centers like Ka Makana Ali'i, and educational institutions.

Kapolei's development has been guided by sustainability principles, community services, and a pedestrian-friendly environment, making it a model for modern urban planning in Hawaii.

The history of Kapolei is a testament to visionary planning and development, transforming an arid plain into Oahu's vibrant second City. Its growth and evolution continue to reflect the dynamic nature of Hawaii's urban landscape.

Vibrant Lifestyles: The History of the Hawaiian Railway Society.

The Hawaiian Railway Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Hawaii's railway history by saving and restoring historic railroads. Its mission is to protect the rich legacy of Hawaii's railroading history. The organization is proud to have the only operational railroad museum in Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu. It's a unique museum showcasing Hawaii's fascinating railway history and the only operating railroad museum in the State.

I recently attended a birthday gathering at the only historical railroad on Oahu, and it was a fantastic experience. Although I have lived here my entire life, I have never been on the railway. The children and I enjoyed riding from the rail station through Kapolei and Ko Olina to Electric Beach. We learned a lot about the railway, took in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. It was a lovely day indeed!

Oahu Neighborhoods: Native Hawaiians, State of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.

Native Hawaiians can live on lands developed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) across the various islands of Hawaii. The DHHL directly benefits Native Hawaiians by providing them with 99-year homestead leases for residential, agricultural, or pastoral use at $1 per year. The State holds these lands in trust for Native Hawaiians, as per the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as amended.

To qualify for a Hawaiian Home Lands homestead lease, applicants must be Native Hawaiians and at least 18 years old. A Native Hawaiian is defined as "any descend" nt of not less than one-half part of the blood of the races inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands before 1778."

In some parts of Oahu, residential homesteads have either been developed or planned for future development. Before July 2014, the total area of residential homesteads on Oahu was approximately 1,030 acres. Over the next 20 years, around 3,370 new homes will be built on 605 acres of land in areas such as Waianae, Nanakuli, Kapolei, and Papakolea. Kapolei is a priority area, and it is proposed to have 1,190 Hawaiian homesteads.

The Hawaiian Home Lands represent a unique housing situation due to their special status as lands held in trust for Native Hawaiians, mandated under the federal Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, and the shared federal/state responsibility integrated into the Hawaii Statehood Admissions Act and the State Constitution.

Real Estate in Honolulu: What’s Happening in Kapolei?

Kapolei is the place to be, with plenty of exciting developments underway! The State selectively allocates development rights to top-notch developers and ensures swift and efficient construction of the remaining parcels. Various housing options include affordable and market-priced single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the numerous properties available in Kapolei—email me today for additional information!