HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

266

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE  RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO OPEN AND RECONFIGURE THE EASTBOUND SHOULDER LANES FROM MAKAKILO DRIVE TO THE WAIPAHU OFF-RAMP ON THE H-1 FREEWAY DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOURS TO HELP ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, the commute from the Leeward Coast, Ewa Plains, and communities connected to the H-1 freeway into the downtown and Waikiki areas lasts more than 90 minutes during the rush hours; and

 

     WHEREAS, the return commute is just as long, if not longer, during the afternoon rush hours; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State and City and County of Honolulu are exploring and initiating many projects to alleviate the traffic congestion and long commute times on the H-1 freeway, including completion of the North-South road, a proposed fixed rail/guideway system, a Nimitz Highway flyover, and ferry system from the Leeward Coast to downtown Honolulu; and

 

     WHEREAS, each of these ideas have merit, and will help to combat traffic congestion, but all are future solutions; and

 

     WHEREAS, the eastbound and westbound shoulder lanes from Makakilo Drive to the Kunia Interchange at the eastbound off-ramp on the H-1 freeway appear to be wide enough to accommodate another lane of traffic; and

 

     WHEREAS, while shoulder lanes are necessary for traffic safety, traffic congestion is a daily occurrence; and

 

     WHEREAS, the use of these shoulder lanes to accommodate traffic during rush hours may be an immediate and inexpensive solution to help reduce commute times, which if such times are reduced, no matter how little the reduction may be, will help the quality of life for residents of the Leeward Coast, Ewa Plains, and communities served by the H-1 freeway; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the Department Of Transportation is requested to open and reconfigure the eastbound shoulder lanes from Makakilo Drive to the Waipahu off-ramp on the H-1 freeway during the morning rush hours to help alleviate traffic congestion; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and the Governor.

Report Title: 

Opening of shoulder lanes; traffic alleviation