The Change
On January 13, 2026, unexploded ordnance (UXO) was discovered on Farrington Highway in Kapolei during ongoing road work. This discovery has led to immediate safety protocols, including halting construction and securing the area. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) is coordinating with relevant agencies, including the U.S. Army, to assess and safely remove the UXO. While specific timelines for resolution are not yet established, the affected section of Farrington Highway is currently impassable and will remain so until clearance is confirmed. This situation poses a significant and immediate risk to public safety and ongoing economic activities in the vicinity.
Who's Affected
Small Business Operators Any business relying on Farrington Highway for inbound supplies, outbound deliveries, or employee/customer access will experience disruptions. For restaurants and retail shops, this means potential delays in receiving inventory, increasing spoilage risks and requiring costly rerouting. Service-based businesses may see increased travel times for their mobile workforce, impacting billable hours and customer satisfaction. Franchises dependent on timely deliveries from distribution centers will face immediate operational challenges.
Real Estate Owners and Developers Development projects located near the affected section of Farrington Highway, or those for which this highway is a primary access route, will face significant delays. Permitting processes may also become more complex as authorities assess the broader implications of UXO discoveries in previously undeveloped or developed areas. Landlords with properties on or near Farrington Highway may see temporary impacts on tenant access and delivery services, potentially affecting lease negotiations and property valuations if disruptions are prolonged.
Remote Workers While not directly impacted by the UXO itself unless commuting via Farrington Highway, remote workers in the Kapolei area may experience indirect effects. Increased traffic congestion on alternative routes can lead to longer commutes and affect their daily schedules. For those with Hawaii-based clients, business continuity could be strained if their own operational logistics are disrupted by area-wide traffic impacts.
Tourism Operators Tour companies, hotels, and vacation rental operators, especially those situated in Ko Olina, Ewa, or Makakilo, will likely face increased travel times for their guests and shuttle services. Airport transfers using Farrington Highway will be significantly delayed, potentially impacting guest arrival experiences and requiring adjustments to transportation contracts. This disruption could lead to increased customer complaints and operational costs for fuel and driver overtime.
Agriculture & Food Producers Agricultural operations on the Leeward coast and food producers in the Kapolei industrial area will face critical supply chain interruptions. This includes delays in receiving feed, fertilizer, and other essential inputs, as well as disruptions to the delivery of perishable goods to markets, restaurants, and export facilities. The longer the disruption, the higher the risk of product spoilage and financial loss.
Second-Order Effects
This UXO discovery on a key transportation artery in Kapolei will trigger a cascade of effects. Diverting traffic from Farrington Highway will inevitably congest alternate routes such as Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Road (Kamehameha Highway), which will slow down all traffic in the region. This slowdown will increase fuel consumption for affected businesses and raise transportation costs, particularly for the logistics-heavy agriculture and small business sectors. Furthermore, prolonged road closures and the necessity for extensive UXO remediation and safety checks could delay planned infrastructure improvements and new commercial developments, potentially impacting job creation and economic growth in the Leeward Oahu area. The increased travel times could also strain the local labor pool, as longer commutes may deter workers from seeking employment in Kapolei-based businesses.
What to Do
Small Business Operators Action: Immediately identify all inbound and outbound logistics that rely on Farrington Highway. Develop and communicate new routing plans to suppliers and delivery services. If direct deliveries are impossible, explore temporary storage solutions or alternative distribution points. Factor potential delays into customer service commitments for the next 30-60 days. Seek immediate guidance from HDOT and county officials regarding the expected duration of the closure and potential alternative arterial routes.
Real Estate Owners and Developers Action: Review all active and planned construction schedules for projects impacted by Farrington Highway access. Consult with contractors to assess the impact on material delivery and labor availability. Engage with county planning and permitting departments to understand potential delays in permit processing and to inquire about any revised development guidelines related to UXO safety zones. Communicate proactively with current tenants about potential access issues.
Remote Workers Action: Monitor traffic conditions on alternative routes (e.g., Kamehameha Highway) using real-time navigation apps. Adjust commute times accordingly if using affected roadways, or consider remote work arrangements if possible during the immediate disruption. Inform clients of potential delays in service delivery due to transportation impacts.
Tourism Operators Action: Immediately update all transportation manifests and advise drivers and guests of the Farrington Highway closure. Implement revised airport transfer and tour routes, rerouting via alternative major roads. Anticipate potentially longer travel times and inform hotels and resorts about expected delays. Consider pre-booking additional shuttle services or adjusting tour departure times to mitigate guest inconvenience.
Agriculture & Food Producers Action: Contact all key suppliers and buyers to notify them of the logistics disruption and establish alternative delivery points or times. Work with trucking companies to identify viable detour routes, prioritizing critical deliveries for perishable goods. Assess inventory levels for essential inputs and explore options for emergency or expedited transport if necessary. Collaborate with industry associations for consolidated information and potential shared solutions. If possible, explore temporary staging areas for goods away from the immediate closure zone.
