The state and Kapolei Property Development, an affiliate of the Estate of James Campbell, yesterday announced a public-private partnership to fast-track construction of the $18 million first phase of the Kapolei Interchange Complex.

The interchange expansion is among a series of projects completed or planned for the area, including a $6 million project to extend Kama'aha Avenue and Manawai Street for traffic to bypass Farrington Highway fronting Kapolei Shopping Center.

Villages of Kapolei resident Obed Donlin said the opening last month of the extension has helped, and the new interchange will offer even more relief.

"Traffic is big here ... so anytime you can cut travel time it makes a difference to us," Donlin said.

"This is really good news for us," said Maeda Timson, a Makakilo resident and chair of Neighborhood Board No. 34 (Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale). "Right now, we have no options, so this will give us immediate relief. Makakilo Drive is horrible any time; for us it's one way in and one way out."

Much of the traffic on Makakilo Drive is motorists heading to Kapolei's shopping district.

But Makakilo residents who want to go west toward Wai'anae have to go through Kapolei. It's stop-and-go down the hill, turning what should be a five-minute drive into 20 minutes or longer, Timson said.

Timson added that the new alternative route will make it easier for Makakilo residents to access Wal-Mart, which will be at the corner of Makakilo Drive and Farrington Highway, and the new Costco going up across the street from The Honolulu Advertiser printing plant.

Both stores will open in 2008. "Some people from Makakilo find it easier right now to shop in Waipahu than down the hill," Timson said.

Neighborhood board member George Yamamoto said, "Any savings of time would be appreciated by everyone."

The state Department of Transportation will break ground on the first phase later this year or early next year. It is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2008. State transportation director Rod Haraga said KPD's contribution of land, an environmental impact report and design moved the start of the project up by two years.

Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday accepted a $1 million check from KPD president Donna Goth to cover part of the first phase's construction cost. Federal money will cover about 80 percent.

Plans for future phases of the Kapolei Interchange to the west and improvements to the Palailai Interchange have not been finalized.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.