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Restoring Access to H-1 Freeway PDF Print E-mail
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
lunalilo-flyover_star-advertiser-file-photoIn 2006, after the State Department of Transportation closed Lunalilo On-ramp for town-bound motorists during morning rush-hour traffic, Senator Fukunaga obtained $24.3 million (Act 160, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006) for plans, design, and construction of a permanent separation between incoming traffic from the Lunalilo Street on-ramp and the exiting traffic of the Vineyard Boulevard exit. The project is eligible for a 90/10% allocation of federal highway funds and state dollars.

Decisions on priorities for all federal funds allocated to highway construction are made by the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Policy Committee, which is comprised of representatives of the City Department of Transit Services (DTS), State Department of Transportation (DOT), appointed Honolulu City Council members and appointed state legislators (including Senator Fukunaga).

The OMPO Policy Committee approves annual federal funding allocations via the Transportation Improvement Project (TIP). The TIP specifies the priority of transportation projects, as well as the funding of each project. In July, 2010, the OMPO Policy Committee voted for FY 2011 amendments to the TIP to add $6 million for restriping to establish a 4th auxiliary lane between the Punahou On-ramp and the Pali Highway off-ramp.  Unfortunately, Alternative #8 was not acceptable to the Federal Highways Administration, and Governor Abercrombie's DOT Director Okimoto has pledged to work with area legislators on a permanent solution during 2012-2013.  DOT will conduct additional traffic counts on adjoining City streets during fall 2011 in evaluating shorter on-ramp closure schedules.

      Honolulu ponders fly-over ramp, other fixes for H1's Lunalilo jam - Honolulu Advertiser
      State Eyes Extra Lane To Help Free Way Congestion - KITV
      Lunalilo On-Ramp/Vineyard Off-Ramp Presentation - Hawaii State Department of Transportation

Special thanks go to the many Makiki/Punchbowl and other area residents that have expressed their strong support for adopting a solution that restores morning access to H-1 Freeway via the Lunalilo On-ramp. Among the most committed community leaders on this issue have been Neighborhood Board #10 members Diane Chong and Chuck Carole, as well as Piikoi Street residents Fred Nakahara and Raedeen Karasuda.
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