KOLOA, Kaua'i — Kukui'ula Development Co. plans to start work next month on one of its two major roadways, the $13 million two-mile western bypass road that was required by the county to minimize traffic impacts from its 1,010-acre development in south Kaua'i.

The Kukui'ula project will include 1,200 home sites, a resort spa, recreational center, a 20-acre community park and two-acre beach park, trails, a 75,000-square-foot village center and a golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. A blessing and groundbreaking were held yesterday at the development between Po'ipu and Lawa'i Valley.

Kiewit Pacific has the contract to build the road, expected to take 20 months.

The road will run from the project entry at Lawa'i Road north to Koloa Road and will be named Ala Kalanikaumaka.

The name of the development, which means "the chiefess to whom everyone looks," honors Queen Emma, who had a summer home at the western end of the property.

"Construction of this roadway will fulfill one of the commitments we made to the community and to government officials that the bypass road would be constructed first, before the homes," said Allen Doane, president of A&B, in prepared text. A&B is a partner with DMB Associates in Kukui'ula Development Co.