According to Reason Foundation's Annual Highway Report, Hawaii ranked 48th out of the 50 states in terms of overall performance and efficiency for its state highways. The nonprofit organization added that Hawaii's roads in general have the worst pavement conditions of all 50 states. This is especially bad when you consider that Hawaii has the smallest state-owned highway system in the country at only 1,011 miles, and spent the second highest amount per mile in administrative cost at $79,000. David Hartgen, the lead author of Annual Highway Report, stated, "If I were a resident of Hawaii, I'd be asking, ‘What did you do with my money?'"
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation officials agree that Hawaii's highways need serious improvement. Caroline Sluyter, DOT spokeswoman, stated, "Especially in the urban core of Honolulu. Over the years and for numerous reasons maintenance was deferred. As everyone who drives knows, there is no good time for us to do the badly needed work. The state DOT has embarked on an ambitious repair schedule which is under way and with many significant projects that will be happening very soon. The good news is that we will finally be repairing major traffic corridors. The bad news is that, unfortunately, the work will necessitate lane closures." However, the Department of Transportation argued that the department spends less than half of what the Annual Highway Report is stating in administrative cost per mile.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-2-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
