As if the traffic issues in Ewa aren’t bad enough, it could be spreading to Waipio, Mililani, and most of Central Oahu, along with other important service problems if planning isn’t done properly.

“On one extreme, it’s the notion that schools and all infrastructure should be in place before the first house is built,” Arakawa said. “But I think the more practical approach is understanding where the growth is going to occur, what the infrastructure needs are, and then planning for that infrastructure in a timely manner given practical realities.

Most of the growth for the area designated as Central O’ahu centers on two projects — Castle & Cooke Homes’ Koa Ridge and Waiawa Ridge Development’s Waiawa Ridge. The neighboring projects, north of Pearl City and east of Waipi’o, could one day see as many as 17,500 homes.

For now, Waiawa Ridge has approval for 5,000 homes on 1,700 acres and expects to break ground next year.

Thinking of moving to the area? Check out this article on growth and planning.