Developer JNC Properties completed a new distribution center within its larger industrial park in Kapolei, a growing logistics corridor on the island of Oahu where companies across multiple industries are seeking to speed up last-mile deliveries to consumers and business clients.
Analysts noted the project on Kuhela Street is located in one of the most supply-constrained industrial regions in the United States, with vacancy below 2% and new construction limited by land availability, zoning restrictions and high development costs. Modern, dock-high industrial facilities are extremely rare on Oahu.
For its potential to address growing but unmet demand for efficient distribution space while strengthening the island’s long-term logistics infrastructure and economic resilience, a panel of local real estate experts selected the project to receive a 2026 CoStar Impact Award for commercial development of the year in Hawaii.
About the project: The 50,483-square-foot distribution center was built at 91-209 Kuhela St. It has eight dock-high loading doors supported by two drive-in ramps with grade-level roll-up doors, which operators said streamlines truck circulation and loading. It also has 40 on-site parking stalls and four restrooms. It is located minutes from Kalaeloa Harbor and major regional distribution hubs for companies including Costco Wholesale and Home Depot. It also has direct access to local port, air cargo and population centers.
What the judges said: “This development wins for its execution in Hawaii’s most critical logistics corridor, providing rare, dock-high capacity where it is needed most,” said Evan Ketter, leasing manager for MW Commercial Realty. He said the facility “creates a high-velocity link between port arrivals and Oahu’s population centers” and is “a vital addition to the Kapolei submarket that directly bolsters the island’s supply chain resilience and long-term economic stability.”
They made it happen: Jay Elicker of Commercial Asset Advisors, who served as project leasing manager, and developers at JNC Properties.