Mixed-use Communities Break Ground In Kapolei
Rep. Sharon Har
Recently, ground was broken for two new West Oahu communities (Kukuna and Awakea) that consider the core principles of sustainable living as a fundamental part of their designs. These are the communities where we can work, live and play without having to endure arduous hourlong commutes to make a decent wage in the urban core.
As part of Mehana (across Fort Barrette Road from Kapolei High School), Kukuna and Awakea will feature mixed-use living concepts that co-locate small businesses like a coffee shop, or a dental clinic, with residential living. These services will be offered to residents of Mehana, as well as other residents of West Oahu. Additionally, these new units are close to an existing grocery store, mass-transit options and other services.
Awakea will include twoand three-bedroom floor plans that are priced for sale to residents making approximately 80 percent of Oahu’s median income.
In a time when many of us are faced with the possibility of taking care of our kupuna, “flex units” that offer an extra room also can be used to care for aging relatives. This community also will offer 10 units exclusively for small businesses. Three-and four-bedroom Kukuna homes will have energy-saving technologies.
There is a need to grow intelligently and responsibly so that our children will have an affordable community in which to live, work and play.
This generation has an obligation to ensure that their children have a better future. By anticipating their needs, Kukuna and Awakea are a step closer to that goal of a better future for generations to come.
Contact state Rep. SharonHar, D-District 42 (Kapolei, Makakilo) at 586-8500 or email rephar@capitol.hawaii.gov.
