Kapolei infrastructure can't come too soon

THE ISSUE The city and a principal developer have announced a cooperative plan to speed building of infrastructure in the region.

BUSINESSES and residents in Kapolei who have fretted for years about the slow pace of installing basic infrastructure in the district are undoubtedly pleased that a key land developer is finally meeting its obligations.

In turn, Kapolei Property Development Co. surely welcomes the city's help in lining up the permits it needs to speed building of roads, sewers, reservoirs and drainage systems since these will enhance further financial opportunities in the fastest-growing region on Oahu.

The developer hopes to cut three years from its projected completion of infrastructure projects under the city's third-party review permit process.

Initiated by Mayor Jeremy Harris and the City Council in 2004, the procedure allows independent, private-sector engineers, architects and other experts to examine project plans for compliance with regulations and laws. The city then needs only to check the third party's work before issuing permits, instead of starting from scratch.

Neither Mayor Mufi Hannemann nor the development company's representatives clearly connected the lag in infrastructure work to the often time-consuming permit process, which is hampered by the city's inadequate staffing. However, faster review will aid Kapolei Property in making the $172 million in improvements as it is required to do.

The company acknowledges infrastructure work fell behind the pace of development and that it intends "to make that right." With the city's help, it aims to finish the projects in 2012 rather than in 2015.

Still five years away, the improvements cannot come too soon for those who live and work in Kapolei.