Posted on: Tuesday, January 13, 2004
ISLAND VOICES
Another freeway is better than light rail
By Richard Castillo
Most people would rather drive their cars than ride a train or bus to work because of the door-to-door convenience, extra carrying capacity, ability to do errands, not having to stand in the rain at bus stops, and so on. If they support a light-rail system, they do so in hopes others will use it, leaving them more room on the road.
If the Kapolei-to-Iwilei light-rail system is built, commuters from West O'ahu to Honolulu would still have to board a bus in Iwilei to get into the urban core, and then walk from the bus to their jobs. This would not be an attractive option for most people.
If we are contemplating spending $2.6 billion to solve the traffic problem between West O'ahu and Honolulu, why not spend it on something that most people will actually want to use — a new highway?
A major new highway running from 'Ewa Beach to Kaka'ako would solve the problem. This new highway could run offshore along a causeway from Fort Weaver Road and then underwater through a tunnel to connect with the Reef Runway Peninsula.
In the past, the Navy has opposed any highway that would affect shipping in and out of Pearl Harbor. But with modern tunneling technology, a tunnel running offshore would have no effect on shipping in and out of Pearl Harbor. This alignment would also avoid Navy property, thus alleviating security concerns on base.
The Reef Runway Peninsula might have to be widened slightly to accommodate a new highway running along its makai edge. From there, another causeway or tunnel could connect the highway to Sand Island. Another tunnel from Sand Island under the entrance to Honolulu Harbor would connect the highway to South Street in Kaka'ako.
The causeways could be constructed wide to include parklands, beaches and boat ramps for recreational use, and perhaps even a marina.
This new highway would significantly ease traffic on the H-1 Freeway, provide miles of new beachfront recreational areas, dramatically cut driving time between West O'ahu and Honolulu and increase property values on the 'Ewa Plain and the Leeward Coast.
Richard Castillo, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu.
