The state Department of Transportation may move its headquarters to Kapolei, according to Brennon Morioka, state transportation director.

During a hearing yesterday before the House Transportation Committee, Morioka said the department is considering moving the occupants of the five-story Aliiamoku Hale to the state building in Kapolei.

The building on Punchbowl Street houses about half of the Oahu Highways Division employees and the state Transportation Department's administration offices. Morioka said the department already occupies 2 1/2 floors of the state building in Kapolei.

“;We are looking both to consolidate our operations and also to demonstrate our commitment to making Kapolei a second city,”; Morioka said.

The state Airports Division is located at the Honolulu Airport and the Harbors Division operates at Honolulu Harbor, but the Highways Division is split into two portions.

Morioka says moving the administration offices and the rest of the Highways Division to Kapolei would also help with traffic and commuting.

“;We think by moving more of the white-collar workers to Kapolei, we should see more impact on traffic,”; Morioka said.

The plan, however, is still in the conceptual stage, Morioka said, and he does not have a timetable.

If the building on Punchbowl is vacated, Morioka said it would be managed by the state Department of Accounting and General Services, but he did not know what state department or agencies might move in.