“Being a Paradise for the nature-lovers Hawaii is considered to be the worst state to drive in, according to a study released by @WalletHub.

Panos D.Prevedouros, PhD, Professor of Transportation Engineering at UH-Manoa is sure that this issue could be solved in just 10 steps “

“””Can we solve Honolulu’s pervasive traffic problem? Yes! There are several specific projects that mitigate congestion that if one could magically install half of them overnight, Honolulu’s congestion level

would be so low that traffic congestion would be removed from people’s list of worries. That would be a great thing for quality of life on Oahu and a booster to our tourism and the overall local economy.”””

So what should be done?

1. Traffic signal optimization is making traffic lights work to accommodate traffic patterns as they change minute by minute. Honolulu has a low level advanced signal system. A lot of the necessary electronics are there. What’s missing is the optimizing core and a half dozen dedicated traffic and electrical engineers to setup, run and supervise the system.

2. Clear accidents faster, manage accident scenes more efficiently and use intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to manage major disruptions to the traffic flow.

3. UH schedule for all Oahu campuses for faculty and students can change to a start time of 9 AM. In this way a lot of UH‐related traffic and transit load switches clearly off of the traditional peak periods.

4. Employee parking cash out is extra salary in return for no parking stall.

“5. Express buses and subscription buses from Kapolei, Mililani, Wahiawa, and Waianae,with limited stops, to downtown, Ala Moana, Waikiki, UH would provide a fast origin‐destination commute which can

entice drivers to leave their car at home.”

6. Bus on Shoulders (BOS) programs increase the speed and reliability of transit service in congested corridors

7. N. King Street widening from Middle Street to Dillingham Boulevard to a standard width of 6 lanes is needed.

8. Contraflow along Dillingham Boulevard. The morning N. King Street contra‐flow can be complemented with an afternoon contra‐flow on Dillingham Boulevard for speedy access to airport viaduct and beyond.

9. Four underpasses in urban Honolulu. Introducing free‐flowing underpasses in four of Honolulu’s busiest intersections would deliver a substantial reduction in traffic congestion.

10. PM Contra‐flow (Zipper Lane). This project was in the works but then the recession delayed it.

“All the projects above will cost under $500 Million in total and less than $300 Million in local funds. This is less than 10% of the rail’s cost to the local taxpayers. They will relieve at least 33% instead

of rail’s 3% of traffic congestion along Honolulu’s primary corridor.”

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