It’s heartening that the next phase of construction at the West Oahu regional mall Ka Makana Ali‘i will reflect the Kapolei area’s vision. In response to community feedback, the developer’s previous plans for adding big-box retailers are out, replaced with those for more service-related tenants largely connected with health and wellness.

Now in the lineup for the phase marking construction’s halfway mark are a health clinic, a Foodland Farms grocery, a pet store, and other smaller restaurant and shops. Since Ka Makana opened about 18 months ago, some 125 businesses have opened their doors at the mall. The Second City grows.

Pali Highway closures will start soon — but not yet

Kailua commuters, you can exhale, but just for a bit. The state Department of Transportation projected a mid-month start of the two-year rehabilitation of Pali Highway, featuring overnight full closures. But the word now is that it won’t be this week.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get acquainted with the official construction update page, PaliHighway.org. And perhaps soon the 24/7 hotline, 945-1111, will start heating up.

The crews are already seen doing prep work, so better get ready. And better get used to taking the Likelike. It’s a little smoother now, at least, owing to its own construction ordeal.