Hawaian officials are exploring the prospect for toll concessions to improve traffic in Honolulu (population 900k). The Honolulu Advertiser reports transport officials having discussions with private developers over the possibility of toll lanes along H1, the major east-west expressway through Honolulu and along the southern coast of Oahu.

The tollroad according to the local report would go virtually the length of the south coast, or some 40km (25mi) from downtown Honolulu to Kapolei. Since the commuter movement is tidal eastbound into Hololulu in the mornings and home westbound in the evenings it would be 2 lanes reversible. About 5km (3mi) would be elevated above the existing Nimitz Highway. Other parts would take advantage of the movable barrier reversible lanes known locally as Zipper Lanes and other HOV lanes.

The officials are describing it as a $700m project.

Brennon Morioka state deputy director of transport told legislators: "We're very serious about moving ahead with such partnerships" because he said they will be increasingly important in coming years as gasoline tax revenues declines with the spread of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Interim state director of transport Barry Fukunaga said:"The money for highways is decreasing. Unless we do something different, there are going to be fewer and fewer dollars to improve our roads."

The state has had talks with about ten groups to gauge interest in such projects in Hawaii.

"The intent is to get our funds to go further than we would with just the government alone."

Morioka says the most logical first project is along the H1/Nimitz corridor. If given legislative approval a concession contract is possible in 18 months he said.

Governor wants it all

The governor Linda Lingle is quietly supporting the toll lanes project but also supports the rail line. She made a no new taxes promise before she was elected, so taking advantage of private capital makes political sense.

The state government sees the tollroad or HOT lanes project as complementary to a $4b+ elevated rail project being pushed by the city of Honolulu in the same general corridor. The city has opposed HOT lanes as an alternative to their rail project saying they would cost $2.7b.

That rail project defeated in two previous ballots for the tax based subsidies it required is being pushed again. It remains to be designed and financed.

Marty Stone invited to present on Tampa El

Marty Stone of the Tampa toll authority has been to Honolulu and has given presentations showing an elevated tollroad in Honolulu along the lines of the Tampa El. He says as a pure toll project it could probably finance itself but if buses, vanpools and carpools are allowed free it will need subsidies.

Slater plan

Cliff Slater, an independent transport expert and pro-roads activist is one of a vocal group of critics of the rail project. He favors a shorter toll lanes project ending just beyond the H2 interchange in Waipahu which he estimates will cost about $900m and could be financed by tolls and federal grants.

"The elevated toll lanes will run along Kam Hwy, then along H-1 by the airport, then along Nimitz to finish by Hilo Hattie's. Several entrance/exits will provide access along the way. Unlike the rail alternative, the elevated tollway will not go through town or any residential neighborhoods and be a visual and noise blight."

The state is now working on environmental clearance for the Nimitz Elevated portion. Previously the city had blocked that on the grounds the rail should go there, but they have since moved the rail to a parallel street, Dillingham Boulevard, allowing the state to move forward with the two lane reversible roadway planning.

Enabling legislation for toll concessions or public private partnerships are moving through the Hawaii legislature.

TOLLROADSnews 2007-02-18