Kapolei is basically a construction zone that never sleeps. If you’ve driven down Kamokila Boulevard lately, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Between the massive cranes and the new "green fees" hitting the headlines this month, there is a lot to keep track of. Honestly, it’s hard to remember that this place was mostly sugar cane fields just a few decades ago.
Now, in January 2026, the "Second City" is hitting another massive growth spurt. We aren’t just talking about a few new stores or a repaved road. We are talking about massive shifts in how people live, work, and even how the state generates power right in our backyard.
Kapolei News You Might Have Missed This Week
The biggest buzz right now isn’t just about traffic (though, let’s be real, traffic is always the buzz). It’s about the big changes to our wallets and our skyline. As of January 1, 2026, the statewide minimum wage has officially bumped up to $16 an hour. For a lot of the folks working at Ka Makana Ali‘i or the industrial park, that’s a big deal, even if the cost of living still feels like it’s winning the race.
Then there’s the "Green Fee." If you have family visiting from the mainland this month, they’re going to notice their hotel bill looks a little different. Hawaii just expanded its environmental fees for visitors, and those funds are earmarked for protecting the very coastlines we see every day at Ko Olina.
The Hydrogen Plant: What's the Real Story?
You might have heard about Eurus Energy America. They’ve proposed a massive hydrogen fuel facility in Campbell Industrial Park. We're talking about a 100-acre project that would strip hydrogen from recycled water.
- The Goal: Producing nearly 1 million kg of hydrogen fuel annually.
- The Tech: 90 acres of solar panels to power the whole thing.
- The Impact: It could fuel heavy trucks for millions of miles without the exhaust.
Some people are worried about the water usage, especially since it sits right next to the proposed desalination plant. But the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) is currently digging into the details. It’s a bit of a "wait and see" situation, but the potential for clean energy jobs in Kapolei is huge.
Affordable Housing is Finally Moving
Everyone talks about the housing crisis, but in Kapolei, things are actually getting built. The Kobayashi Group was recently tapped for a massive project on 14 acres of city land between Wakea Street and Kamokila Boulevard.
This isn't some far-off dream. They’re looking at building around 750 affordable rental units. It’s modeled after the Parkway Village project right next door, which already started moving people in late last year. If you’ve seen the new preschool and the garden-style apartments popping up, that’s the blueprint.
Why the Laulima Project Matters
Just down the road, the Laulima development is also making moves. WTL Development is planning 2,500 units in total. The first 750 of those are strictly affordable housing.
Wait.
There's more.
Gentry Homes is also halfway through their "Kaulu" community behind Costco. Those houses aren't exactly "cheap"—townhomes are starting in the $600k range—but for West Oahu, that’s actually considered entry-level these days. The first families are expected to move into the DHHL Kauluokahai project by April 2026.
The Wall That Heals is Here
If you want to see something powerful, head over to the University of Hawaii–West Oahu. From January 14 to 19, 2026, they are hosting "The Wall That Heals."
It’s a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It’s open 24 hours a day, which is pretty rare for events like this. It’s a somber, quiet experience, but it’s a big deal for the veteran community here in Kapolei and Ewa.
What’s Happening at Ka Makana Ali‘i?
The mall isn't just for shopping anymore. It’s basically the community center. This weekend, January 17, there’s a meet-and-greet with invitees from the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
Seriously.
You can meet some of the best watermen in the world right between your trip to Sephora and Cheesecake Factory. They’ve also got the "Makana Mkt" every Wednesday and Sunday, which is a great way to support local farmers without having to drive into town.
✨ Don't miss: How Old Is Kim Jong Un North Korea: The Mystery of the Supreme Leader's Age
New Rules for Drivers
One quick thing: if you have a teen ready to take their road test at the Kapolei driver licensing center, make sure the car has enough gas. The city just issued a notice that "insufficient fuel" is now an automatic rejection for the test. It sounds silly, but it’s happening enough that they had to make a public announcement about it.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 Horizon
Kapolei is often called the "Second City," but for a long time, it felt like a suburb with a few extra offices. That’s changing. With the film industry briefing happening at the Academy for Creative Media this month, there's a real push to make this a creative hub, not just a bedroom community.
If you are a resident or thinking about moving here, keep an eye on the rail. As more affordable housing clusters around the stations, the way we get around is going to shift significantly.
What you should do right now:
- Check your pay stub: If you’re an hourly worker, make sure that $16/hour rate kicked in on January 1st.
- Visit the Wall: The Vietnam Memorial replica is only here until the 19th; it's worth the 2 a.m. visit if you want some quiet reflection.
- Plan your commute: Construction around the East Kapolei II project is picking up this month, so expect some lane closures near the DHHL offices.
- Shop Local: Hit the Makana Mkt on Wednesday (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) to grab produce from the Kunia farmers before it sells out.