Help Shape What’s Next for Kunia
The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are preparing an Environmental Study to evaluate potential improvements to the Kunia Interchange on the island of O‘ahu.
Explore the Study
Public Scoping Open House
Help shape the Environmental Study
Wed, Nov 18, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Kaleiʻopuʻu Elementary School
94-665 Kaaholo St, Waipahu, HI 96797
Virtual Option Nov 19th
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Register
About the Kunia Interchange Project
A Critical Connection
The Kunia Interchange connects Interstate H-1, Kunia Road (State Route 750), and Fort Weaver Road, serving as a critical gateway between Central and West Oʻahu.
A Regional Priority
The 2026 Oʻahu Regional Transportation Plan identifies the Interstate Route H-1 Kunia Interchange Improvements Project as a priority transportation improvement.
Planning Priorities
Statewide and local transportation plans support improved multimodal connectivity, roadway safety through the Safe System Approach, and infrastructure resilience to natural hazards and future conditions.
Study Purpose
This study will identify current and anticipated mobility and safety needs, develop potential improvement alternatives, and assess environmental, community, and engineering considerations.
Informing Project Decisions
The findings will support informed project decisions and the evaluation of improvements to safety, mobility, and operational reliability for residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors.
Environmental Review
The environmental study, currently anticipated to be an Environmental Assessment, will follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act (HEPA).
Preliminary Purpose and Need:
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of the proposed action is to improve operational efficiency, safety and mobility at the Kunia Interchange. The project is intended to reduce congestion-related delays, improve traffic flow through the interchange area and the surrounding network, and address operational deficiencies affecting local access and circulation. The project would evaluate opportunities to enhance connectivity and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling through the interchange area.
Needs for Proposed Action
- Improve safety
- Reduce congestion
- Increase mobility
Current Phase
Public Scoping Open House
Join HDOT for a Public Scoping Open House on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Registration begins at 5:00 PM.
Your input will help shape the Environmental Study, including its Purpose and Need, alternatives, potential environmental concerns, and consideration of local knowledge.
Meeting materials will be posted here following the event.
Public Scoping Questions
We welcome input on:
- Environmental concerns
- Purpose and need for the project
- Alternatives to consider
- Local knowledge that may inform the study
If you cannot attend the in-person open house, a virtual option will be provided the following evening (November 19, 6:00pm). Open House materials will be posted online after the event. You will have full access to review the information and provide comments.
You can submit comments online using the Comment Submission Form on the project website under the “Contact” section. Written comments may also be emailed or mailed.
Via U.S. Mail to:
1001 Bishop Street, Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96813
Attn: Kunia Interchange
Email:
connect@kuniainterchange.com
Auxiliary Aids and Accommodations
If you would like to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aid, services, or other accommodations, please contact connect@kuniainterchange.com as soon as possible so that proper accommodations can be made.
Public comments will be accepted through December 18, 2026.
Environmental Process and Study Schedule
The environmental study will follow HEPA and, with federal funding expected, NEPA procedures. The process includes:
- Gathering public, agency, and stakeholder input.
- Establishing the project’s Purpose and Need.
- Defining the proposed action and alternatives.
- Comparing environmental impacts with No-Action conditions.
- Selecting an alternative that balances transportation needs and environmental impacts.
An Environmental Assessment is anticipated, though the NEPA “class of action” has not been determined.
Schedule at a Glance
Planning & Alternatives
Develop project alternatives and gather community feedback through public engagement and scoping activities.
Environmental Review
Conduct environmental studies, agency consultations, and prepare environmental documentation.
Public Review & Final Approval
Release environmental documents, collect public comments, and publish the final environmental review.
Frequently Asked Questions
The environmental study will examine a range of topics including traffic, noise, biological resources, water resources, visual impacts, land use, cultural resources, historic resources, and alternative modes of transportation. It will also evaluate alternatives to the Proposed Action.
Construction is anticipated to begin after the completion of the environmental review and final design. While exact timing will depend on funding and approvals, construction could begin as early as 2034 . The duration of the construction will depend on final phasing.
Construction would likely be phased to minimize disruption. Temporary closures or detours may be necessary, but a detailed traffic management plan would be developed to maintain access and ensure safety.
The HDOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (2025 - 2028) estimates a project cost of $160,000,000. Preliminary cost estimates will be refined as planning progresses.
This project is currently programmed in the STIP and is expected to be funded through a combination of federal (FHWA) and state (HDOT) funds.
Multimodal features such as sidewalks, shared-use paths, or bike lanes are being considered and will be evaluated as part of the alternatives in the environmental study process.
The environmental study will evaluate potential interchange improvements to meet transportation needs. Public input on transportation issues, improvement concepts, transit, and other alternatives is encouraged during the scoping phase.
Project updates will be posted on the project website. You can also request to receive email notifications about meeting notices and document releases by emailing connect@kuniainterchange.com.
Please email to reach out to the project team directly with questions or concerns: connect@kuniainterchange.com
Questions or Concerns?
To provide additional comments or ask questions about the Environmental Plan complete the comment form below.
