[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:28 pm HST]
Keiki o ka aina, don't waste your time becoming "mainlandish". We are unique people...we make Hawaii what it is. People who disrespect and/or insult "Hawaii" don't understand "Aloha" nor, will they ever understand the meaning of "Aloha", "Ha'a Ha'a", "Kuleana" ...because they have no Culture. Ignorant people do not deserve our attention nor, our time...save our "Aloha" for those that DESERVE it. That's why "they" get cracks... Back to the reason at hand - I walked from Kalihi bus facility to Salt Lake and it took me about 40 minutes (for the "ignorant" one(s): I have a car, but, the humble side of me chooses to sacrifice and be considerate to people who really need to drive...but, that's something that you will never understand) Love you all...things will be better.
Blessed
Salt Lake

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:26 pm HST]
It took me 6.5 hours from Waikiki to my home in Ewa Beach. I took Ala Moana to the Nimitz and then on the Viaduct to the Kam Hwy. exit in Aiea, from Kam Hwy. I got onto the Freeway and then....smooth sailing the rest of the way. Of course this was at 2:00AM by the time I arrived home. This should be a good wake-up call to those who oppose rapid rail transit. We don't need more roads we need new solutions to our traffic problems. If Honolulu would have passed a transit system years ago half the people on the road could have been sitting comfortably at home in less than an hour instead of 4,5,6 or even more. And for those who decided to "camp out" on the freeway shoulders and green space, please Kokua - the freeway was a big mess today with rubbish left behind last night.
Dennis Lijewski
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:22 pm HST]
Don't even try to act like a Hawaiian Brother. Cause it ain't gonna get you no where. I don't think anyone would ever agree with any thing you will ever have to say. Unless you want to leave the island of course. I'm totally for that.
l love my home
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:20 pm HST]
Actually, Hawaii Blows... now that I think about everything that you have said, i do agree with much of it. I do apologize. Thank you for making me see the light.
I love my home
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:19 pm HST]
I sort of did this morning. And I agree, it's a slap in the face. What a bummer.
Carl M.
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:16 pm HST]
A larger concern that no one has raised here is the fact that since the Army (government) caused the damages and inconvenienced the residence of Oahu, we as tax payers are paying for it all. Would everyone agree that this is a double slap in the face to us all? As a tax paying citizen this makes me sick to the core.
Tax Payer
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:11 pm HST]
Wow...that was deep. Like my pockets.
Pimp Daddy
Hawaii Kai

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:09 pm HST]
The epitome of one bad apple ruining it for everybody else. Such carelessness. It was like a movie so surreal, yet the effects were detrimental. I hate that it only took one person to paralyze the entire island. What if there was an intentional attack, the terrorists will surely know how to immobilize the island. Let this be a lesson to the powers that be, to prepare for the worse. Because yesterday's response was deadly.
PC
Waipio

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:07 pm HST]
Don't bother, because you aren't welcome here. By staying here, you are showing that your actually don't mind being here. So not only are you arrogant for your comments, but also a hypocrite.
I love my home
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:06 pm HST]
Hawaii Blows: How about you don't check back ever... We don't need to hear your childish whinning and complaining.. Get a life and GROW UP! Or better yet get yourself a spouce (whoever would want to date you). So they can deal with your whinning and complaining.. And let the rest of us live life without your childish ways..
I love Hawaii
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:01 pm HST]
Ok, I got the hint. I'll check back in 5 years. Haha
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:00 pm HST]
So what are you going to do about it? Nothing I bet. That’s what I thought. Go back to your car and do what you’re good at, complaining and doing nothing about it. Just do us a favor and keep it to yourself next time because we don’t want to hear it.
I love my home
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:00 pm HST]
With the condense population on Oahu and the limited space available, our state is trying to make things work the best we can. Of course they need to improve, that’s why they want the resident’s opinions. http://news.kcc.hawaii.edu/event.php?event=897 If you got better ideas then let them be known at the community forums. Don’t just sit on the side throwing cheap shots at the residents of Oahu just because you weren’t born here. And yes, we have aloha. So what? It’s something we take pride in, so don’t insult our culture. The only thing you’re accomplishing is giving others from the mainland a bad rep.
I love my home
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:59 pm HST]
"Hawaii Blows", the way you've approached the situation is not only arrogant, but childish. You definitely have no place or reason to be in Hawaii if you have an attitude like that. Also, if your reason for thinking "Hawaii Blows" is based on traffic, get a life. There's more to life than sitting in your car. If you aren’t going to help by attending the community meetings that the state provides in regards to mass transit, your words mean nothing and carry no weight. You choose to complain and yet do nothing about it. Also, if you're saying that "Hawaii's Government" sucks, Hello! It’s the same U.S government your sorry self was born in to. Not just Hawaii. Or are you trying to say that any other state would have handled it better? I don't think so buddy.
I love my home
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:56 pm HST]
It took us a total of 11 hrs from King Street near University Avenue to Ewa Beach. We went through H-1 then took the Dillingham to Nimitz Hwy then to Kam Hwy to H-1 to Fort Weaver Road.
Roland
Sun Terra Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:54 pm HST]
Remeber to Vote 4 Bu.!
Bu Laia
Waimanalo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:52 pm HST]
we all were until people like hawaii blows came into the picture
hawaii love
oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:50 pm HST]
Can't we all just get along with Aloha lovin?
Hokabigoloogi
Hawaii

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:48 pm HST]
Took me 2 1/2 hours to get from the airport (Lagoon Dr) to my residence in Ewa Beach. I took Lagoon Dr to Puuloa St (spent an hour on Puuloa alone!) to 78 to Kam Hwy to H1 to Fort Weaver.
Kelly Griffith
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:43 pm HST]
Go home to your trailer park you loser.
Hawaii Blows his daddy again.
Hawaii Blows Trailer Park

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:38 pm HST]
No need to check back in 20 years, Hawaii Blows. We'll still be here handling our problems our way while you make some other city miserable with your problem solving skills. Try finding some real people to listen to your whining. Pathetic loser.
Hawaii Lover
Makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:37 pm HST]
Hawaii Blows and all the other Hawaii haters-do you honestly have nothing better to do than make fun of people? Why are you even here? School, work, loved ones? Sorry you don't like it here but in all honesty...I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Even though the cost of living SUCKS, the government, city & county aren't the greatest...there's so much more to Hawaii than what you're b*tching about. It was ONE accident that screwed up a lot of people's day but you know what? They got over it, it's a new day and hopefully now something will be done so in the future, we won't have a huge problem like this again. And like everyone else is saying, if you don't like it here..leave! Nobody's making you stay!
robyn
honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:35 pm HST]
Hawaii Blows, you were probably hated where you came from... and now no one likes you here... how does it feel to know you're not wanted anywhere? Your comments bore me...
anonymous
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:35 pm HST]
Seems like "Hawaii Blows" can't get enough of the locals putting him in his place. All he can do is laugh @ his stupid comments. WHY are you still on the blog "Hawaii Blows" I KNOW there's still flights OUT of our aina(meaning: land, since idoits like you aren't hawaiian,don't know the hawaiian language) so catch that plane & NO ONE WOULD want to "see you in 20yrs" so don't plan on ever returning! HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT FOR THE "ALOHA" PEOPLE??!!!!
don't u get it??
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:33 pm HST]
Go ahead and check back in 20 years. At least for that 20 years, us "aloha" people would live our life without s*upid people. Just because we're not from your 'original' state, that gives you the right to put us down? Don't think so. We're part of the U.S. We are one nation, not 50! Get a life... Maybe 20 years from now you'll grow up and actually have a life and be thankful that no one got hurt. Because right now all you care about is yourself.
Haters against s*upid people
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:33 pm HST]
You've gotta live a little Hawaiian Style And give a little Hawaiian Style Don't worry if the tide goes out Don't worry if the sun goes down Don't worry if you get caught in the rain Don't worry if the fish don't bite Don't worry it'll be alright Don't worry you can throw your net again
To all the locals
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:32 pm HST]
you go Daddy!
Dont blow to hard
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:30 pm HST]
Ufa Hawaii Blows
Hawaii Blows Daddy
Hawaii Blows Tent

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:28 pm HST]
You've got to share a little Hawaiian Style And give a little Hawaiian Style Live a little Hawaiian Style Deep down we're all a little Hawaiian Style everyone sing along !
To all the locals
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:24 pm HST]
I'll check back in 20 years to see how far along you "aloha" people have gotten. haha
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:24 pm HST]
I work at the airport and finish at 4pm. My son was with me and when we left, traffic was bad. I picked up my sister-in-law at Hart Street by Nimitz Hwy at 5pm. It took us 30min. to get on the Fwy. I had hoped to be home by 8pm but I was wrong. 3hrs passed and we barely passed the airport. Unprepared for this situation, the three of us were hungry and didn't have any food or water. I felt bad for my 4yr old son because he was getting tired. As we inch our way thru traffic, we saw cars stopped on the side of the road with hoods up. Luckily my car was good to me but with all the stop and go, my brakes started to make noise. Finally, after 5.5 hrs of being stuck in the gridlock, I got a chance to exit at Aiea Exit and took the Moanaloa Rd. After that if was a smooth drive home to Ewa Beach.
Marilou Padilla
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:23 pm HST]
So sensitive and yet no closer to the solution. haha
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:17 pm HST]
Well we haven't heard from Hawaii Blows in awhile... Maybe he moved... You think? Or maybe he now realizes the strenght and power of Hawaii's residents sticking together like we should be.
Hater against s*upid people
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:14 pm HST]
Someone needs to teach "Hawaii Blows" some aloha spirt. And leave the blog to those that want to blog on what happend doing the long hours it took to get home.
Aloha
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:12 pm HST]
It took me 3 hours going around the Island from Kailua. I left at 8:30pm and it was a nightmare... I'm still recovering.
HIGHSURFWARNING.COM
HALEIWA

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:11 pm HST]
It took me 4 hours going the scenic route from Hickam via Like'like to the north shore. Was mean, but could've been worst. Made my Hieneken taste so good when I got home. Hawaii still no ka oi.
AL
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:06 pm HST]
It took me well over 4 hours to get home and I was not a happy camper! The main thing is no one got hurt, and being originally from the PI, I'm used to this kind of traffic and divere driving habits. Salamat po!
Joem
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:05 pm HST]
It took my 3 hours and 45 mintues to get to Red Hill from Fort Shafter. That is two exits!!!!!!
John
Red Hill

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:04 pm HST]
I sympathize with everyone voicing their concerns and sharing their experiences. We can't depend on others to make things better for us when it comes to traffic messes. Most of us have a plan when there is a house fire... escape route. Maybe we need to have a plan within our own family & friends to have a plan to take care of things so many people tried to get home to do. Pick up kids, feed people, get medication, etc. Keep your car in good working order, carry water, always have plenty gas, keep snacks in the car, own a cell phone, carry spare battery, have extra medication... We don't need people labeling us as "retards" for living here and if California is such a greatplace to live why did you leave? Don't let the grass shack door hit you in the okole on your way out.
AKB
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:03 pm HST]
Hey \"HAWAII BLOWS\" & \"LL\" this is a BLOG for people who were STUCK in the traffic last night & have MEANINGFUL things to say. I think you\'re confusing this blog for \"MY SPACE FOR IDOITS\"......you\'re on the WRONG WEBSITE & IN THE WRONG STATE!! I think Aloha Airlines should GIVE AWAY plane tickets to idiots like you to GET YOU OFF OUR ISLAND, better yet, send me your address & I\'ll BUY that ONE WAY ticket for you!!
dis isn't my space for haoles!
Nalo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:02 pm HST]
It took me a little shy of 4 hours to get home from my workplace in downtown Honolulu. I took the Likelike Hwy to H3 and then some non-surface streets through Aiea, before getting onto the H1 westbound and onto H2. I enjoyed the ride and again thankful that I live in everyday paradise. Candace
Candace
Mililani Mauka

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:00 pm HST]
Hawaii Blows: nothing to do all day but act superior on a blog??!!!? This must be the only way you get people to 'listen' or 'talk' to you. You poor ting!!!
live in Paradise
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:52 pm HST]
What got nothing better to do, Hawaii Blows?
Hater against s*upid people
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:46 pm HST]
HAHA I LOVE IT! THANK YOU ALL FOR PROVING MY POINT! =)
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:45 pm HST]
No, I didn't go that way that day, but if I had to go to the airport that day, I would have taken my bicycle (like I did a few days prior). At least the bike path is free (both money-wise and traffic-wise). Now this is a case for paving more bike paths all over the city. Each bike is one less car on the road. So let's vote in favor of allocating a percentage of road tax money for bike paths. Eva Uran
Eva Uran
varies

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:44 pm HST]
While the governor & mayor bicker about who should collect the funds for rapid transit, we taxpayers get the short end of the shaft. Remember to vote all the deadbeats out of office. As for you Hawaii haters, please leave the islands & return to your white trash trailer parks. As for me, I'll take our traffic woes & multitude of other problems that come with living in our Paradise as a 'local' over living in a place that spawned idiots as 'Hawaii Blows', etc. A'ole Pilikia....
I wouldn't live anywhere else
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:43 pm HST]
awhooots! Time for some bakin'. Let's try another cookie receipe. Last good recipe came in at 11:33. Last good idea for a solution to break gridlock came in at 2:21 and 7:59. How about we call on Mr. Rod Haraga to submit a good cookie recipe.
H1 Zip Lane Home
Beyond H1/H2 Merge

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:38 pm HST]
It sound to me like "Hawaii Blows" Needs some attention! Is there anything better to do, then to sit on you computer and YAP!
Hawaii blows hatter
Hawaii

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:29 pm HST]
DRAMA...SAVE IT !!ITS PEOPLE LIKE "HAWAII BLOWS" THAT MAKE LIFE MISERABLE FOR EVERYONE. LIKE I SAID BEFORE THIS IS NOT FOR YOU TO CAUSE TROUBLE. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO INSULT ANYONE. YOU ARE PROBABLY AN INSECURE PERSON. WERE YOU BREASTFED? DIDNT THINK SO! IF YOU HATE HAWAII SO MUCH LEAVE AND GO BLOW SOMEWHERE ELSE!!
kaleipulama
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:26 pm HST]
sorry to *brag* but it only took me an hour to get home from Daiei Kaheka. left there at 9:00pm, got home to pearl city at 10:00am. took the likelike cutoff and went to kaneohe, took the h3 back and drove home on kamehameha hwy. it was scary thinking of what i'd have to drive through, but i'm glad *luck* was on my side. i am very sorry for those who had to sit in traffic for so long. btw, this route i took was thanks to my brother-in-law who told me the secret. ;)
tamiko
pearl city

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:22 pm HST]
Among the rest of the island residents heading for Central Oahu, it took us a total of 5 hours to go home. Finally, we reached our Waipio Gentry residence at 12:20 p.m. (started from Downtown at 5:00 pm, waited for 1-hour on gridlock traffic, headed for Kaneohe, and at 9:00 pm, left for Waipio Gentry (via freeway)! Why didn't the State DOT open up the eastbound lane for Central Oahu residents to go home? Communication was terrible, and residents were very upset!
Thommes
Waipio Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:21 pm HST]
Agree 100% with "Concerned about Future Occurrences". PLEASE let this be a LESSON LEARNED for future emergency situations. WE NEED a better EMERGENCY PLAN that can be put into effect QUICKLY. A couple of options that would have helped immensely yesterday: contraflow lanes and close off small side streets (to decrease number of traffic light stops along Kam Hwy)--specifically the stop lights between McGrew Point and Anna Millers. It took 2-1/2 hours from downtown to Aiea.
km
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:19 pm HST]
Four hours and nine minutes. Departed Hawaii Kai at 9:07 p.m., arrived in Mililani at 1:16 a.m. Took the H-1 viaduct (big mistake!) to Kam.
J
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:13 pm HST]
TO: "FROM CALIFORNIA USA", "BOOHOO", AND "HAWAII BLOWS" KNOW WONDER LOCAL PEOPLE HATE HAOLES LIKE YOU...ITS SAD!!! IF YOU LIKE TO COMPLAIN SO MUCH ABOUT LIFE HERE IN HAWAII, THEN PLEASE...GO BACK TO THE HOLE YOU CAME FROM!! IT JUST ONE LESS PERSON THAT WE HAVE WASTE OUR "ALOHA" SPIRIT ON. NOW BACK TO THE REASON OF THIS BLOG... IT TOOK ME ABOUT 3 AND HALF HOURS TO GET HOME. I LEFT DOWNTOWN AT 5:15PM AND HEADED ON MOANALUA FREEWAY...THAT WAS WHERE THE GRIDLOCK BEGAN...THEN ONTO KAMEHAMEHA HWY IN PEARL CITY...IT WASN'T TOO BAD! JUST HAPPY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT OR EVEN KILLED.
ignorance hater
Leeward Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:13 pm HST]
RIGHT ON!
Shame on some of you
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:11 pm HST]
HAHA, I REST MY CASE.
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:10 pm HST]
Anna I think you did! Better leave the cry baby alone !
Aloha
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:09 pm HST]
ooops... Did I hit a nerve Hawaii Blows...
Anna
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:03 pm HST]
Anna, if you locals would stop having babies when you're 14, 15 and 16 years old Hawaii wouldn't be so "CROWDED".
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:03 pm HST]
We should only keep military locals on the island. Less cars and less idiots.
TH
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:03 pm HST]
It's not a matter of who's right and who's wrong. We're suppose to stick together, not point fingers and put blame on someone. That's why they call it an accident. We're only humans.. We make mistakes, we have to try to fix it and move on. By blaming others isn't going to get anything done or change anything. This blog was only made for the people of Hawaii to share their route and how long it took them to reach their destination.. Come on guys!
Shame on some of you
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:01 pm HST]
7 hours! Got on the Wahiawa Heights Express at 4:30p in downtown and finally made it home at 11:30p. I was impressed that everyone on the bus kept their cool & we laughed at the absurdity of taking 5 hours to pass the airport (on the H-1 viaduct) -- even calculated that we could be in L.A. or Las Vegas by now -- & estimated we were traveling about 1-1/2 miles per hour. I have to say a huge MAHALO to the bus drivers for taking us home safely!!! But D.O.T. has to get their act together & start planning for emergencies like this ... (one option) with assistance from the police, we could have used the zipper lane to the other side of the H-1 and exit at the on-ramp by LCC for all the people who were heading to Central & Leeward areas. And we sure could have used some port-0-potties!
Exhausted
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:00 pm HST]
For you people from the mainland who have so many rude comments about Hawai`i, why are you here... if you don't like it here, LEAVE!!! We're alreay over-populated as it is... so do us locals a favor and go away!
Anna
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:59 pm HST]
Sorry to see you go: LL is by far the most articulate, direct and outspoken person here. Again, locals don’t want to hear the truth because the truth hurts. Those who appose the truth are nothing short of ignorant and don’t have the capacity to ingest the larger picture. Keep your emotions at the door and leave the real thinking to us grown ups!
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:54 pm HST]
I was stuck for 4 hrs. For 1 whole hour I moved less than 1 mile! It was ridiculous. But I took the AZ memorial cutoff toward Pearlridge and once I got there, the traffic was a breeze. I think HPD and DOT should've been smarter with blocking the on-ramps to the freeway. If they knew the freeway was closed then they should've blocked all on-ramps and leave all lights on green to relieve some traffic! Maybe next time (which there better not be)HPD/DOT will react more effectively and expeditiously. As for HAWAII BLOWS....you got a point! All this mess better be paid by the military. Hawaiian Dredging was contracted out to do the job (PAID BY OUR TAX MONEY)...ITS THE MILITARY'S JOB TO FIX THIS!
Cherie
Waipahu/Kunia

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:48 pm HST]
PACK UP AND LEAVE! GOODBYE ! IN REGARDS TO THIS MEASAGE BELOW You can add this to the list of why Hawaii is so stupid. 1.3 million retards on one island is a dangerous place to be. I think I'm ready to pack up and move back to America where things make sense! Hawaii From California USA
Sorry to see you go
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:47 pm HST]
Coming from Kalihi it took me about 2 1/2 hours to reach home. I left Kalihi at 10:00 p.m. and reached Mililani at 12:30 a.m.. I took school street to Ahua then to Salt lake Blvd. To Kam Hwy past Pearlridge right unto Moanalua to catch the H1 west to H2. Doesn't seem to be as bad as others but It was close to an hour off Ahua before I could get to Salt Lake Blvd.
Eric Acoba
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:46 pm HST]
LL.. Hawaii doesn't want people like you here anyway... so LEAVE ALREADY!!!
AA
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:44 pm HST]
TO ALL YOU IGNORANT MAINLAND PEOPLE!! WE WERE ALL STUCK IN THE TRAFFIC! THIS BULLETIN IS TO BE USED TO EXPRESS OURSELVES AND VENT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY. THERE IS NO NEED TO CALL US RETARDS OR ATTACK THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII. OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVE NO RESPECT AND HAVE NO ALOHA SPIRIT IN YOU, SO PACK YOUR CRAP UP AND BEAT IT!! AND BY THE WAY HAWAII IS PART OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA "FROM CALIFORNIA USA". IF YOUR GONNA TRY TO INSULT US, GET YOUR FACTS STARIGHT AND GROW UP!!
Kaleipulama
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:44 pm HST]
To all those responding to me. You know i'm right, other wise you wouldn't get all upset. The truth hurts so much you have to reply with tard responses. Very intelligent!
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:42 pm HST]
i was in traffic for about 5 hours, but i think it was partially my own fault. i thought i was being "PRO-active" by going thru the North Shore but it actually took longer. my mom and i left at the same time. she took the Kamehameha highway route and i took mine. she was home about 2 hours before me...its OK its been a while since i been around the island, so i got to do it at 9 o'clock last night. ha! hopefully tonights better though i think i saw enough last night.
malia
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:41 pm HST]
This is essentially why I've given up on Hawaii because all this "lucky you live Hawaii" and "Aloha spirit" is for the most part a facade of what was once true in the past. I agree they are only going to argue about it while nothing gets done. All that is going to do is continue to make the quality of life here to continue its downward spiral (unless you are of course exceptionally well off). While the grass isn't necessarily any more greener elsewhere, the one disadvantage of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere is that all these issues become more amplified. After having spent some time living in Japan and having gotten used to their efficient rail transport, I think I am more than ready to move back. Government stupidity exists there too but not as inept as it is here.
LL
Central Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:40 pm HST]
It took me 5 1/2 hours to get home. And yeah traffic sucked and so what? At least no one was hurt to say the least. What's done is done...get over it! Just hope SOH DOT took this as a learning lesson. As for "HAWAII BLOWS"....go back to where you came from. One last "uku" on my land.
808
aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:39 pm HST]
To: HAWAII BLOWS There's probably a lot of locals wishing you fall on your face and break a leg or something so you can feel what it's like to be helpless for awhile... would serve you right!!!
i hate idiots
downtown honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:37 pm HST]
9 HOURS!!!!! Left vineyad zippy's @ 4 p.m. and getting home in mililani barely 1:13 a.m. this morning! Took nimitz all the way, going under the via-duct. 6 hours of smelling exhaust fumes in the via-duct that made me car sick and threw up trying to avoid wasting gas by using the AC. I'd rather throw up then upset thousands of people with a stranded car smack dab in the middle lane on Nimitz. Between the yelling and honking from fellow commuters, my cell phone died, it was my husband's birthday & having him watch our son sick with roseola measles, nothing to eat/drink, having an Aunt that had to take her shoes off because her feet were sore from having to sit in one place too long that I had to endure smelling her sweaty feet in socks...I was HAPPY that I made it home alive!
car sick
mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:36 pm HST]
Left Waialae at 3 pm and did not arrive home until 6pm. At the Halawa cut off many started walking pass the traffic to go home. Walking got them home faster than sitting in the traffic.
Shirley
Stadium Mall

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:36 pm HST]
I was going home from UH Manoa. I took all the backroads that I could think of, only to come out where the road splits to go onto the Airport or down to Nimitz. Instead of the other people who insisted that the freeway wasn't broken and didn't follow directions, I took Nimitz. It took me 8 hours to get home! I swear that if everyone had just followed the sign and didn't get on the airport only to come off later and clog the freeway even more, myself and everyone else on Nimitz would not have had to sit there for hours on end, or worse yet, abandon their cars! I was one of the unluckier ones, but there were some who didn't even leave the UH parking lot. I really hope that the DOT is going to get a plan in place, because this WILL happen again.
Josten
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:34 pm HST]
I left Tripler Hosp at 6pm. I finally made it to Puuloa/Nimitz an hour later, then another 3 hours to Chevron on Valkenburg where I filled up my car. We made it into McDonalds before they locked the doors. After we ate, we got back on Kam Hwy. Still moving slow, but at least it wasn't crawling like on Nimitz. Once we made it past Pearlridge, I saw HPD at the intersections and they kept it open for all ewa-bound traffic. It took me FIVE hours to go from Tripler Hospital to Iroquois Point. My eldest son caught the Country Express bus from HPU on Beretania shortly after 5 pm, and he was still stuck at the Stadium when I made it home at 11pm. He called me around 12am to pick him up. The bus skipped Kapolei and I had to pick him up at Waiomea/Farrington.
Mary
Iroquois Point

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:29 pm HST]
My good friend Rick, my son and I went to see the premiere of Tom Coffman's movie, "The First Battle," then headed home. We dropped Rick off in Waikiki at 9:30pm and started the trip back to Pearl City. We took the route my parents used to always take before the days of the freeway: Ala Moana Blvd., Nimitz Highway, and Kamehameha Highway. We were amazed at the total meltdown of our transporation system! So many people were pulling over and just camping out on the road-side. We laughed deliriously at all sorts of silly things just to keep our morale up. We arrived home at 2:00am, 4&1/2 hours later.
Mike
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:26 pm HST]
9 hours. yes. NINE!! left downtown at 4:45pm went along nimitz went underneath, then up onto H1, then moanalua. reached pearl city at 2am.
glad to have a good car
pearl city

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:24 pm HST]
To: "HAWAII BLOWS" From the mere name you chose, it shows you LACK any empathy or better yet sense. Do you KNOW what a blog is? Of course people out there are listening & you'd be surprised who is actually reading all of these messages. Why don't you follow the ol' saying: if you don't have anything GOOD to say, shut-up! If Hawaii blows to you, guess what, take a PLANE & go back to the rock you crawled out of.
people like u make us sick
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:24 pm HST]
As someone else commented about the public having to fend for itself (similar to how those had to fend for themselves after Katrina) because of government ineptitude, bureaucracy and lack of any sort of plan by those involved, this incident should be a wakeup call for residents here that if we're ever slammed by a major hurricane or tsunami, to not expect much help from the government.
LL
Central Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:24 pm HST]
No, unfortunately, the government, city and state don't care because they are going to spend the next 20+ years arguing and fighting about how they should approach this. By that time, we're going to go through this mess again, and right now all the elected officials care about is getting elected, and once back in their respective offices, they'll go back to living the "rich" and convenient life, while the rest of us suffer throgh the unnecessary maze they have built in the past. Oh and you would think since H1 is an "interstate" highway, shouldnt Lingle step in and help out? NO she is trying to promote the war and Bush... UGH!
Jay Jay
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:24 pm HST]
Of course I doubt this will change anything since too many of us don't hold the officials here accountable for squat. This isn't the first time gridlock occurred due to an incident. The public and the media need to ask those in charge why this went on for over 12 hours for some. This isn't about blaming people or departments but holding those in charge whose jobs it is to be aware of these things and to be able to deal with it. What we have in Hawaii is a situation where too many in high paying government positions are only there because of their political ties as opposed to having real experience in that area. In times of crisis, that lack of leadership and experience shows because no one knows what to do or had any sense to have a contingency plan in place before something occurs.
LL
Central Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:23 pm HST]
Re-directing traffic requires various agencies hammering out the details well in advance. This includes getting HPD to redirect traffic via alternate routes well in advance of the bottlenecked areas not to mention preparing for the ability to contra-flow the other side of the freeway. Just as we have a Civil Defense warning system in place to deal with communicating information, something like this is needed for dealing with unplanned road closures. The governor and mayor should have done everything in their power to deal with the situation in making sure there were a variety of state and city resources to deal with it. The military would have to foot the bill for all of this since it was their oversight which caused all this in the first place.
LL
Central Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:23 pm HST]
You would think that as part of a tsunami disaster plan, that such contingencies would have existed which could have been re-purposed where there is at least some sort of command and control to deal with the logistics required of being able to get information moving via a variety of means (radio, public access TV, all the news stations, etc) into the work place, shopping malls, etc. They could have even gotten the Civil Air Patrol involved to broadcast information via loudspeaker by flying over affected jammed roadways during the hours that many were stuck with nowhere to go. How about a few motorcycle patrol officers broadcasting at least a short prerecorded message of the situation for those who may not have had a radio or cell phone.
LL
Central Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:23 pm HST]
OK, ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? IT TOOK ME 10 MINUTES TO GET HOME, HAHA. SO ALL YOU CRY BABIES LEARN TO LOVE IT BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. IF YOU THINK THIS WAS BAD IMAGINE WHEN A MAJOR NATURE DISASTER OCCURS LIKE A HURRICANE OR SOMETHING OF THAT MAGNITUDE. THE STATE IS NOT NOR HAS IT EVER BEEN PREPARED.
BOOHOO
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:23 pm HST]
While I wasn't caught in yesterdays traffic (since I had the day off), I could've easily been in it. And having been stuck in previous H1 gridlocks, I can understand how frustrating it is. First off, shame on those that posted here that are living in town with short commutes who gloated over the agony thousands had to suffer. Secondly, this whole thing shows how inept our leaders are because the inaction was tantamount to a deer frozen in the headlights of an oncoming car. This obviously shows how little contingency plans they have in place if there were ever a real disaster where many would end up being stuck on the roadways due to gridlock. This also reveals how poorly agencies are at communicating with each other to deal with such situations.
LL
Central Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:21 pm HST]
My commute wasn't too bad, considering I spent 2.5 hours to get home to Pearlridge. Pali Highway was slow, but moved and so did the H3. My daughter who works in Moanalua took 2.5 hours to get home. Why didn't the State think about routing the West bound traffic onto the East bound freeway lanes. There is less traffic going to town during that time of the day.
CB
Pearlridge

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:18 pm HST]
It took me a mere 5 hours & 10 minutes. Yes I too was very frustrated. But my question now is what have we learned from this, or should I say what has the SOH DOT learned from this? Are they going to put any plans in place for the next time this happens (and you know it will).
jo-
mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:17 pm HST]
I got off of work at 1600 (Manoa) and didn't get home til (1930). Let me tell you, that this wasn't the most comfortable thing to go through. Especially having to get stuck on the Nimitz exit on H1 thinking I could somehow avoid anykind of traffic. I became furious, that no matter what I did, I couldn't find a damn outlet. I got on my cell phone, listened to the radio, and by the 1 1/2 hour mark of having to deal with yesterdays traffic, I thought OMG, we really need to focus on the future's mode of transportation. The ROCK below serves a good point, The Legislature needs to get on their okole'z of unfortunate situations as this. I can write a damn novel, but to end all this, I'm glad I got home to Aiea in time as my Gas Gage literally pointed on EMPTY.
Ron
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:13 pm HST]
EVERYONE WHO LEFT YOUR COMMENTS HERE, YOU KNOW NO ONE IS LISTENING RIGHT? YOU KNOW NO ONE CARES RIGHT? DO YOU ACTUALLY THINK ANYONE IS GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT ANY ISSUES IN HAWAII? THINK ABOUT THIS, THE MILITARY CAUSED DAMAGES WHICH COST EVERYONE MONEY. GUESS WHOS PAYING FOR THE CLEAN UP AS WELL, THAT'S RIGHT... YOU THE TAX PAYER. HAD A PRIVATE COMPANY DID THIS THEY WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THIS BUT SINCE IT'S OUR GOVERNMENT WE CALL GET STUCK WITH IT. HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES? HAHA
Hawaii Blows
Oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:09 pm HST]
Alternative routes! The island’s contour imposes formidable restrictions. Yesterday’s commute from hell took from 3:30 until 8:45 from downtown to end of H-1. Solutions? Light rail, passenger ferry from Campbell, squarely addressing inevitable security issues while constructing either a tunnel under or a bridge over Pearl Harbor – or both – from Ewa Beach. It’s a privilege to live in the most livable city in the USA and the world. But that does not relieve our local leaders from the responsibility of devising the solution to rare but still too frequent traffic nightmares such as 9/5/2006. All options need to be on the table for consideration. Either that or I might have to actually move to the windward side and give my umbrella a workout, personal preferences to the contrary.
DW
Leeward O`ahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:08 pm HST]
You can add this to the list of why Hawaii is so stupid. 1.3 million retards on one island is a dangerous place to be. I think I'm ready to pack up and move back to America where things make sense! Hawaii
From California USA
Diamond Head Area

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:02 pm HST]
We left Ala Moana Center at 630P. It took us until 12:30Am to reach Pearl Ridge where we live. It was quite something because you could do nothing but sit in your car watch all the brake lite around you. I am from California and have never seen traffic like last night. It is hopefully over now and we can get home at a decent hour this evening. Aloha
Melody
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:47 pm HST]
Let me tell you, do I understand the hurt. However in my complaints, I realize how lucky I was to only have to go about 8 miles. I left the Ala Moana area at 5:00pm. Took Nimitz all the way to the freeway, exited the airport, backtracked on Nimitz to Camp Catlin to Salt Lake, just to make it by Valkenburgh....2.5 hours. Shameful
Ms. M
Military Housing (Moanalua Terrace)

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:47 pm HST]
I seem to remember a similar incident that happened about 15 to 20 years ago. A small tractor was being transported on a flat-bed truck east-bound on the freeway. It was too high for the height of the Gulick Avenue overpass. It actually did get under, but then got stuck part-way through. The tractor was tilted and dangerously close to falling off the truck. Traffic was brought to a complete stand-still (people turned their engines off) for hours because they had to bring in another tractor to hold the other one up while they let some air out of the tires so it could be set upright again. I thought that was the worst traffic I had ever seen.
Missy
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:46 pm HST]
Let's get one thing straight - no one person or department is to blame for last night. Instead of focusing on what happened, let's focus ten times harder on what we can do to improve the situation and learn from our past mistakes (plenty of them btw!). Mass transit needs to happen, it's inevitable. Sure I'll be old, frail and probably won't be able to drive by the time it's actually completed, but think of our children and grandchildren who will benefit from mass transit. That's the problem that the Legislature has always had - they only think of the NOW and of their own behinds when they SHOULD be thinking of the future generations. It IS an election year, so EVERYONE go out and vote for a better tomorrow...for your kids sake.
Scott
The Rock

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:43 pm HST]
I was on the bus and stuck on the H-1 Freeway. It took 5 1/2 hours to get from Alapai Street to Waipahu High School. 5 hours of that was from Alapai Street to the Stadium! I have co-workers (Downtown) who left work at 5 p.m. and didn't get home until after 1 a.m.
Jeanie
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:41 pm HST]
Trip to Ala Moana-$40 Bus Pass, Dinner at Palamoino's-$90, Gas-$20 Taking the Likelike and coming back down the H-3, flying the back streets of Aiea- Priceless...(1.5 hrs 10:00 to 11:30) :) For everything else there's MasterCard.
Gino
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:40 pm HST]
Left Sand Island/Nimitz about 9pm, went on H-1 (MISTAKE!) and was routed like everyone else onto exit 13A in Aiea at about 12:30am. Took Moanalua Rd to home, which moved pretty well considering. Four hours to go 8 miles, averaging 2MPH. Unbelievable.
downtown commuter
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:38 pm HST]
Left Kaimuki at 4:30Pm and got to Kapolei via North Shore at 12:15AM. With one stop along the way for food and rest.
Theo
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:28 pm HST]
ward warehouse to airport took 2 hours, and that was ONLY because i drove like a maniac. my apologies to those whom i know i ticked off - but i had an immovable deadline @ the airport, and, though they were begged, the blasted HPD/DOT wouldn't open a contra lane on Nimitz to the airport. gee thanks, guys 8-|
jj
windward oahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:20 pm HST]
I left work in the McCully area at 6 pm and decided to stop for dinner after being trapped in traffic for a mere 45 minutes and having traveled two miles. Started heading for home again at 8:00 and arrived in Pearl City at 11:45 pm. I was so relieved the see my home. At one point while in the huge parking lot I thought I would just have enough time to shower, dress and head out for work.
K
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:18 pm HST]
First route a friend and i attempted was going around the island. That was creeping along slowly until we heard someone talk about a faster route through the Stadium area. We turned around and made it from Waiahole to Mililani within 60-70 minutes. H-3 all the way, then Stadium/Halawa exit, turn left and straight to the Stadium Mall. Turned right and went through Aiea all the way. That seemed to be one of the best routes.
Samoana M.
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:15 pm HST]
I decided to stay in town at my mom's house in Makiki and wait for the traffic to subside. But it only got worse...I left Makiki at 10:00pm, it looked like the airport H-1 route was moving faster than Moanalua Freeway so I took it. Boy was that a mistake. I didn't get home to Pearlridge until 2:00am!
Adam
Pearlridge

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:12 pm HST]
Looking at the situation, I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MANY F'In cars we have on this island.. hmmmmm.... if we had a rail system or something, i would be glad to be a frequent rider.. I used to catch the bus, but after last night when the buses i encountered on the freeway cut me off 2wice.. i was like.. nah... buses get stuck in traffic just like regular cars...
Jeff2
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:07 pm HST]
Aside from his spelling errors, JJ shows incredible ignorance and arrogance in criticizing and insulting something of which he has no understanding. Highway Patrol? You mean like CHiPS? Because we don't have a State Police or a true interstate highway, the traffic problems along our freeways are different from mainland metropolises. As for "relatively small mess"...hmmm...lets assess it, shall we? The biggest traffic artery on the whole island is completely SHUT DOWN. I'm sure JJ can't relate to having one main freeway on which to drive, but that's a fact of life here. And the POLICE DEPARTMENT needs to spend more money on traffic issues? That would be the DOT's responsibility. Just goes to show you, if you don't know what you're talking about, keep your words to yourself.
hawaiian girl
here

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:07 pm HST]
It took me close to 2 hours to get home from Halawa Valley to Pearl City. Left the office late around 7:30 p.m. due to the backup of cars on Halawa Valley Rd. I beat my son home by 10 minutes. He called around 5ish to tell me he was going home the scenic route, up the Pali, North Shore way. He works in town (Schuman Carriage) now Pfluger. At least we all made it home safe!!
Corliss Whitmore
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:03 pm HST]
I work in Kapahulu and live near the stadium. Took me close 2 4 hours driving down the Moanalua freeway. Thank God 4 cell phones cuz i was thinking about going H1 via the airport. my sister unfortunately was on that freeway and told me it was literally a parking lot. i left my work place around 530 p.m. and got home after 930 p.m. What was most frustrating was when i reached the 1 mile marker 4 the Halawa/Stadium exit, it took 1 hour just to get 2 my place, cuz people were on the left turn lane near Halawa trying to "cut" into the right lane 2 go straight via Aiea. I hope what happened last night showed the mayor we need 2 solve this problem somehow & come up with a solution to this problem. 1 of these days, it's gonna be really worse than last night. Smell the smoke & do something.
Jeff
Stadium

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:02 pm HST]
Rod Haraga and Scott Ishikawa - Where is our emergency contingency plan? I want to know what you both were thinking last night. Were any department of transportation administrators/managers out there assessing the situation and working on alleviating the massive congestion? Why weren't emergency contra-flow lanes set up? It was an unfortunate incident that happened but the real problem is the lack of preparedness for an emergency situation. We saw a great deal of your informercials about the freeway construction. I did not hear anything from you on the radio last night while in the gridlock. The public pretty much had to fend for themselves.
Concerned About Future Occurrences
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:01 pm HST]
Update to my earlier post. My commute was not as long as others but on Saturday, after two days of AC making noise and dead animal smell, Lex B's found dead rat in AC unit of car. Car still reeks of dead rat and in hot, stop and go traffic it's even worse. Yes, that was me sticking my head out the window and gasping for air - the exhaust fumes were better than the smell in my car. DOT - please figure a way to deal with these emergencies.
MikeS
Ewa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:01 pm HST]
as a former west side girl, i can sympathize with what everyone had to endure. rapid transit is looking better and better. remember everyone, this is an election year.
marie
palolo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 12:00 pm HST]
I was on Lagoon Drive and decided to take Nimitz. When I got on Nimitz, it was moving too slow so it took me 40 minutes to get to the Hickam cut off. I went pass the military housings and parked at the NEX. My friend and I decided to eat and use the bathroom before heading back into that traffic. We ended up going up Halawa and back on Moanalua Rd. It was moving pretty smooth. Then we caught the ramp by Buzz's Steak House and it was empty. So all in all it took me about 3 hours to get home in Ewa. It's ok because at least the cars around me were calm and everyone got home to their family safely. Jut think it could've been worse.
Glad to have made it home safely.. ALOHA!
Ewa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:58 am HST]
I got off work at 5pm around North School Street, took 2.5 hours to get to Love's Bakery. Went on H1 and got to Pearl City around midnight. Took about 8 hours to get home. Why doesn't our government come up with a EMERGENCY PLAN for traffic disasters like this? H1 East was wide open!
Roshi
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:54 am HST]
It took me 6 hrs to get from Bishop St. to home (Kapolei). My route: Nimitz Hwy to H1 West, from which we were vectored onto Kam Hwy (through Aiea/Pearl City), then back onto the H1 by Sam's Club to Kapolei. I left downtown at 7:45 pm, arrived home at 1:45 am. Took 3 hrs just to get past the airport. On the bright side, I did get to listen to over 150 songs on my iPod.
Robert Davé
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:49 am HST]
I went to the airport to pick up a friend and her family at 3:30pm. It took us 1 hour to reach the "ZipperHouse" from the airport H1 onramp. After coming to the conclusion that we would not move any further, we made a u-turn and headed towards the likelike tunnel. To make a long story short, after taking them to Mililani, I got home at 10:15pm. The traffic was longer than their flight from California!
D.K.
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:47 am HST]
My husband was complaining that it tooke three hours to get home from the U (he left late to avoid the traffic). However, in Feb. 2005, we were on the M6 in England going north from the Blackpool exit to the Lake District. Two lorries (trucks) turned over and the highway was closed. No cops in sight. It took four hours to travel 10 miles to the next exit (we went back to Blackpool). They finally cleared the M6 at 5 pm and then closed it at 8 pm because there was another accident. Lucky you live Hawai'i!
Yona Chock
'Ewa by Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:45 am HST]
Got on Nimitz from River St. around 5:45pm heading to H-1. Forget Nimitz! Decided to get off at Kam Hwy. My hubby drove home from the Stadium side via N. Shore way. 8:15pm -HUBBY: I'm in Haleiwa now driving 60mph and where are you now? CYN: Well, haven't passed the airport yet. 10:15pm -HUBBY: Where are you now? CYN: Just got off the Kam Hwy offramp but haven't passed the Pearl Harbor gates yet. Are you gonna wait up for me, dear? 11:00pm -CYN: Finally arrived home in Mililani! HUBBY: In bed...snoring!
Cynthia
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:36 am HST]
Jeff from Maile is complaining about how much other people are complaining? And he misspelled the name of hurricane Iwa.
chill out
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:35 am HST]
Left UHM @ 7:35 pm and took H-1; exited at Middle St., which was a mistake; got back on H-1 and got off at the airport. From 'Aolele (PO) I took Nimitz Highway, which was a mess; got off at Valkenburg St. and headed with the 'flow' to the fast food enteries. After gas and Jack-in-the-Box (32 minutes stop), drove on Radford-Bougainville-Salt Lake-'Aiea lane-Moanalua Road-Pearl City H-1 ramp (X10), home to 'Ewa (X5A). I got home at 11:05 p.m., or 3:30 elapsed time (2:58 minutes actual driving time for 26.2 miles). TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS (and the City and State need to resolve their jurisdiction squabbles): synchronize the lights on Nimitz Highway, Kapolei, Farrington Hwy., and elsewhere, and you would solve a lot of traffic problems. Now they're synchronized to stop at every other light.
Al Keali'i Chock
'Ewa by Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:33 am HST]
Ok Everybody, we got through a hard day. Let's make cookies. NM Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ingredients * 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened * 1 cup brown sugar * 3 tablespoons granulated sugar * 1 egg * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1-3/4 cups flour * 1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, slightly crushed * 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips Directions 1. Cream the butter with the sugars until fluffy. 2. Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract. 3. Combine the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips. 4. Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or 10 to 12 min
Jenny
Makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:31 am HST]
To: We sympathize but choose otherwise from Kaimuki. You willing to sell your house? Why don't you ask the people that went through all that traffic if they see anything funny about it? Sense of humor is one thing when appropriate. Do you even know what people may have gone through? Getting to their kids, caring for elderly family members, medication..etc. Very simple to say Move! Again, you illustrate my point about society. It's unbelievable to me that you would even reply in such a manner? My only hope is that you are young and don't know any better. If you are an adult - shame on you for finding humor in other's struggles.
Too much me, myself and I
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:24 am HST]
I feel sorry for everyone who was a part of that huge traffic jam. I just wanted to comment on something that made me shake my head. Who ever is to blame, whether its the DOT, Military or even HPD, whatever... the fact is that in the end, the people stuck in traffic essentially are the ones who not only had to suffer, but will end up paying for the compensasion. Because in the end, it's our tax money that funds them. What a drag.
Carl M.
Makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:20 am HST]
Betty Ickes of Wahiawa has an excellent suggestion in having a traffic facilitator at the Kahuku stoplight. Once you got past the stoplight, traffic was free flowing all the way home. Under the circumstance, Rod Haraga and his crew did a commendable job getting the freeway operational by the next morning. However, DOT needs to evaluate and upgrade their emergency processes to better handle traffic facilitation. In extraordinary emergencies such as last night, media and DOT should go beyond the normal reporting hours in communicating status and alternatives. There's a lot of frustration out there so let's turn this situation into positive action for future emergencies.
Augie
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:13 am HST]
To the Mililani commuter who says we Townies lack empathy and that Hawaii has lost its Aloha spirit: Come on, have a sense of humor! Or has the daily traffic grind just sucked the life out of you? If so, MOVE!
We Sympathize, But Choose Otherwise
Kaimuki

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:12 am HST]
3 hours. Left Ala Moana @ 330pm. We were gonna take the airport way bwecause of all the traffic but at the last minute decide to stay on the H1. Then to Moanaloa Rd to Mililani! A friend of mine took the airport via duct 6 hrs to Mililani 615pm-1215, Whata day!!
Carol
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:10 am HST]
We thought waiting would be smart, so we left King/Kalakaua 6:45 pm and took Beretania to Nimitz. 5 hours to get to the Stadium, and traffic started moving and really opened up right after Pearlridge. Got home at 2 am - I would have given up and turned around to stay at a friends house or in a hotel, but my Dad was driving and I think he secretly wanted to know just how bad it was going to be. My sister split a hotel room with a stranded friend, had a nice dinner and a full night of sleep while my butt was going numb. Hopefully there will not be a next time, but I know what I'll do then, even if I have to sleep on the floor of my office. Which reminds me...time to pack an overnight bag and emergency kit to leave at work.
Kai
Wai'anae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:08 am HST]
A rapid transit like BART (San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District) is the solution/remedy to the congested traffic nightmares Honolulu is enduring daily to/from work. Good Luck with your brutal traffic and as far as receiving compensation from the Government and/or a public entity, they are under government provisions!
Native Hawaiian
Bay Area

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:08 am HST]
I just read a comment that Larry from Waialua posted. He made one good point and one bad one. He said that even "if the military was at fault, they have plenty enough to worry about with our troops deployed." Good point, very good point. But then, he makes an unbelievable statement that "two hours on inconvenience in paradise isn't too bad". TWO HOURS?! INCONVENIENCE?! Considering he was probably at home when he posted this message at 7:30pm, this was a pretty insensitive thing to say. I wonder if he now knows that some people were stuck in traffic (in their cars or on the bus) for up to SEVEN hours! Sharing pieces of mochi with strangers and peeing on the side of the road! Getting home after midnight! How's that for INCONVENIENCE?!
Dale
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:01 am HST]
I was lucky. Left Salt Lake just after 3:00 pm. Got to Ewa in about 90 minutes. Rod said freeway completely closed and I considered getting off but Scott said still open and I got lucky and made it before they completely closed. If I had gotten off the freeway it would taken me much longer to get home. The information of the radio was contradictory and probably led to more slowdowns and confusion. The truck driver shouldn't get all the blame - whoever loaded the truck and chose the route should have checked on the height clearance along the freeway. Mike S. Ewa
MikeS
Honolulu & Ewa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:00 am HST]
2 hours and 45 minutes for me. I left downtown at 5 pm, stayed on the Red Hill route, and got home to Mililani Mauka by about 7:45pm. I am sure glad I didn't try the Viaduct! Red Hill seemed to be moving a bit better, so I am glad I went that way instead =) Listened to lots and lots of music, which made the time fly by. I couldn't sleep the rest of the night, though, since my bad back was extra sore from sitting behind the wheel so long. But I can't complain, since my drive was under 3 hours.
Mike Howard
Mililani Mauka

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 11:00 am HST]
Eh..da traffic was mean cuz. Vote 4 Bu!
Bu laia
Waimanalo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:52 am HST]
7 1/2 HOURS! I caught the bus at 5pm right after I left class at HPU. I didn't reach home until almost 1am. I usually have a hard time on the bus already holding the urge to use the bathroom, pregnant and all, but this was horrible. There was a moment right before Aiea where it took us about an hour to move about 1/2 a mile. HEY JEFF: you are so rich you can stay home and not work or go to school YOU buy me a cell phone. I don't see what having a cell phone would of done me anyways, fly me home? I also wanted to add that whoever was transporting the crane could have at least stuck around and made sure no one got hurt,done something right away to avoid an accident. That just made his irresponsibility worse.
Vivian
Makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:52 am HST]
I left work at 4:30pm and walked to the Alapai bus stop. I arrived home at Waikele at 11:15pm. I am so upset because I can't undertand why couldn't we use the Honolulu bound lanes. I would hate to see if their were a big disaster. Someone needs to get off their okolei and be on top of situations like the one.
Johanna Fergie
WAIKELE

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:51 am HST]
Not bad timing from Punahou School to Mililani in less than 2.5 hours...the bad part is my office is at Pearl City Peninsula (Lehua Ave) and I live in Mililani but I had to pick up my kids at MidPac and Punahou Schools after sport practices. First stop, MidPac. Encountered the regular townbound traffic, arrived MidPac 4:45pm. Then pick up other kids at Punahou. Departed Punahou 6:15pm. Freeway clear to Bishop Museum then we hit traffic. Got off at Ft Shafter, thru Mapunapuna, drive thru at Wendy's on Nimitz, by now it's approx 7:30pm. Right turn on Pelteir Ave (Navy Housing) to Salt Lake Blvd where we hit 30 min of traffic till Aloha Stadium on Kam Hwy which was moving slowly then picked up speed from Sears. Home at 8:35pm. Kids had fun making calls to see where friends were in traffic.
Denese
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:49 am HST]
Left Downtown Nimitz way about 5 p.m. Heard of closure of H-1, stayed on Kamehameha Hwy. Inched along, stopped for many minutes without moving, sitting, waiting - reached Mililani at 11 p.m. My son in the car called his wife about 6 p.m. and told her "don't wait up for us." The hours clicked by on the dash...3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, it got dark, 6 hours, we started to move in longer spurts - got home to a darkened house, tired and hungry, at eleven. Whew! The worst traffic delay ever!
M. Ozawa
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:34 am HST]
My sister and I left Ward Ave at 4:45 headed for Nimitz, got the news on the radio, took the DJ's advice and rerouted ourselves for the scenic tour around the island. We took Likelike via Waiakamilo and Kalihi valley back roads. Made it home about 8:30pm. It took us a whole hour to get from Hau'ula to the Kahuku traffic light,a trip that should have been 15 minutes or less. My husband was ahead of us by about a 1/2 hour. He called HPD to suggest setting up a traffic facilitator at the Kahuku light. This would have cut our travel time significantly. If our rail system was in place, we would have parked our car in town and taken the rail home. thanks for asking Betty Ickes
Betty Ickes
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:32 am HST]
Yes, it did take me hours to get home last night but I applaud the efforts of HPD and the DOT. Considering the circumstances, I think they made good decisions and did a great job.
Kevin
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:20 am HST]
First of all, I hope that disciplinary actions will be taken against the driver responsible for this chaos. How can his/her judgement be so poor in not knowing that the height of the crane exceeded the height of the bridge (overpass). Secondly, I\'m very saddened by the death of the gentleman who was found in his car. Had this incident not occurred, his life could\'ve been possibly saved by immediate action. Whomever was responsible for this, I feel very sorry for you...expect a big lawsuit against you.
Keith
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:20 am HST]
I work in Halawa Valley and left there around 7:30 PM. I took H3 to Kaneohe and stopped off for dinner at 8:15. I left Kaneohe at 9:15 and took Kamehameha Hwy around the North Shore. It was pretty congested and took me about an hour to get from Kaneohe to Punaluu. After Laie, traffic opened up fairly well, and I finally made it home to Waipahu at 11:30 PM.
John Von Tungeln
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:18 am HST]
Its funny how Jeff down there from Maili Point says all this complaining is making him sick. But what is he doing??? Complaining???
Too funny
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:18 am HST]
Took the scenic route from Waikiki to Aiea using the Pali and H3. Got off work at about 11:40pm and made it to the Halawa Heights area at 12:25am. The only thing that held me up was the heavy rain on the Windward side. Other than that, it was smooth sailing. There was some backup on the Halawa exit turning into Ulune going to Moanlua, but luckily, I didn't need to buck that traffic. =)
Al
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:15 am HST]
Hopped on H-1 at Vineyard at 4pm. Had no idea what was going on and assumed it was an accident Expected it would be an hour or two. WOW, was I wrong. 7 hours later I arrived in Waikele. The radio was no help, one annoucer complained about having to report it again not to mention I didn't receive word that the freeway was closed until 7pm. Glad we have a Zipper lane that provides NO emergency access for roadcrews or alternate traffic routes. Something a stationary lane with multiple entries/exits could provide. HPD?? Why were they not directing traffic on Kam and Moanalua?? If any city/state official resists "ANY" traffic solution, they deserve to be voted out at the next election!!! The failures identified by this accident are numerous and its evident of Aiea's chokepoint.
7 hours in traffic
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:14 am HST]
All this complaining and blaming is making me sick! Some of us have endured hurricanes Ewa and Iniki, brush fires, flooding, hostage situations, and downed telephone poles that have kept us trapped in traffic and away from our families and homes for hours and days at times. If we want to make the situation better first, get rid of your Ford Pinto or your Datsun P-up that over heats in traffic and adds to da "Road Rage". Next, buy a car with a AM/FM radio? And if you don't own a cellular phone by now, what planet are you living on, URANUS? Finally, take a look at the problems other major metropolitan cities of this country face, do you rather be living there? If so, LEAVE, we're over populated in paradise already!
Jeff
Maili Point

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:12 am HST]
I got off work at 6:oo pm at the airport, waited several hours at the airport to see if the traffic would subside but it didn't. I made it as far as Moanalua HS in 3 hours decided to turn around & go back to the airport. I slept in my freakin car overnight instead of trying to drive home only to turn around to come back to work in a couple of hours!!! Is the military going to compensate me for the misery I endured? I think not! The State MUST come up with a contingency plan for times like yesterday. What a disaster! HPD should've been directing traffic off the freeway BEFORE the Pearl City cutoff. Why wait to the last cutoff? Why not counter flow the east bound lanes?? I bet if all the elected officials lived on the west side, alternative routes would already be in place!!!
BRONSON
WAIANAE

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:11 am HST]
I dealt with West Oahu traffic far too long before I wised up and moved to the Windward side. I now have 2 fast routes home with 1 fast alternate. Traffic on all 3 is sparse enough to drive near the speed limit most of the way, even during "rush hour". West Oahu is connected by one horrendously overutilized route that gets worse every year. Not only that, it has a history of unreliability and the alternate routes are a joke (and also horrendously overutilized.) As if the rainbows, cool weather and waterfalls aren't enough, my 40 minute commute home yesterday (which is twice as long as it normally takes) makes me sure moving out of West Oahu is the smartest move I ever made. ..and they're still building houses out there, and people are still buying them!
Ken
Kaneohe

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:11 am HST]
I left Dillingham at 4:15 and drove in my garage at 6:30 p.m. by taking the circle island cruise via Wilson Tunnel. It seemed crazy while I was driving past Kahuku, but in hindsight the decision was a good one. I thought I'd use a lot of gas, but was down just a quarter tank in my SUV. It would have been more enjoyable on my motorcycle, although a bit long after working all day. Watching the sun glisten through the surf on the North Shore was beautiful...
Stephanie
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:07 am HST]
It took 3hr&a half just to reach the beginning of Nimitz from Kaneohe. This is where the fustration really began.While everyone on this island is stuck in the same traffic, some IDIOT decides to try to cut the person in front of him off before almost hitting our vehicle. He doesn't succeed, ends up hitting the person behind us & that person hits us! GREAT! So he causes in accident in the middle of traffic! We all get out of our car&this IDIOT MAKES A RUN FOR IT?? He accelerates&tries to get away, but guess what- THERES TRAFFIC!I LITERALLY WALK to his van & call 911 at the same time! To make a LONG story short,HPD came, really didn't ANYTHING @the HIT& RUN,ends up giving ME a ticket for my safety check that just expired before the LABOR DAY HOLIDAY! THANKS HPD for being the usual pricks U R
good 4 nothing!
Millilani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:07 am HST]
Although we are quick to blame the driver of the vehicle. He does deserve part, but the blame should lie with the person who was in charge of the permits and the person who is loading the vehicle.
Tired
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:04 am HST]
I left the Univesity area at 4:30 and arrived home in Mililani at 12:40 am. That was the worst traffic of my entire life. Today I stayed home just in case it backs up again.... Once bit twice shy!
Karen
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 10:04 am HST]
First and foremost, I would like to thank the driver of the truck transporting the excavator. You did a really good job out there creating a mess of traffic and the daily lives of others. Secondly, I would like to thank Mr. Haraga for not doing his job. It seems like MANY people posting here, have had better ideas on traffic management than Mr. Haraga. Contraflowing lanes could have been a possibility, etc. Left Ala Moana @ 845pm arrived home in Waikele @ 1245am. Took H1 -> Stadium -> Halawa -> Moanalua -> H1. Could have flown to the mainland in that time. Absolutely ridiculous. Mr. Haraga, please resign from your position. You'd be doing everyone a favor.
TH
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:57 am HST]
Me and my wife started from Ala Moana on the C bus at 3pm, normally we would've been in Kapolei by 4-430, but we got of the bus at 8pm, 5 hours after starting, just getting from Marukai to Aloha Stadium took 3 hours, it was packed. I hope the millitary does something with that driver. This morning i noticed alot of cars along the same route we drove last night, probably went out of gas.
Christian Evensen-Solem
Makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:56 am HST]
I left St Andrew Priory school at 4:45pm and didn't get home till 12:15pm. I took H1 and it was a wrong choice. I was on the viaduct from 5:30 to 9:30pm, watched many airplane landing and take off; nice view. And took me another 2 hrs 15 mins from the Hickam exit to Aiea exit. Finally got home at 12:15AM. Everyone was driving w/ aloha; big mahalo. For the DOT, HPD; they get a D- (at least from me); why they didnt contra-flow the other side of the freeway after 8PM? or stick around to direct traffic at the merge? For the commanders (ARMY?) of the truck driver that caused the incident; i think he should take MATH 101, LOGISTIC 100 class again; he needs to know how to calculate the height of the bridge and route to go. Gosh, thanks to you we miss work and our kids miss school today.
Richard
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:53 am HST]
I got on my bus at 4:25. We reached the airport cut-off at about 5:00 and got to the Hickam off-ramp two hours later. It took another hour and a half to get from the off-ramp to the KFC in Salt Lake, sometimes waiting through 3 or 4 cycles of the traffic lights near Pearl Harbor. The police were directing traffic from Salt Lake through Pearl City, so it took only about 15 minutes to get to the freeway on-ramp near Sam's Club. I got home after 9:00 and went to bed at 11:00 (my trash had to be taken out). I woke up at 4:30, got on my morning bus at 6:10 (my usual 5:50 bus was late) and got to work at 7:30.
Dale
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:53 am HST]
I consider yesterdays closing of H-1 a major problem, Mr. Haraga said that over 200,000 cars pass thru that section of the freeway everyday. Thats quite a bit. There were no info given, all that was said on the 10pm new was that "we hope to have this stretch of highway open by tomorrow morning." By that time, it'll be too late. In a situation like this, more police and state officials/workers should have been dispatched. Why is there no contingency plan for something like this?? Not at one time did I hear the Army apologizing or any type of state official such as our mayor or governor explaining to us, how something like this can happen. Accidents will happen, but will we learn from this is the question.
This is the worst
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:50 am HST]
If all the drivers want to be mad at someone, be mad at the military driver that caused this mess! Don't be mad at HPD! I am sure that they had TONS of 911 calls with accidents and other emergencies! Also, I don't think people realize how short staffed HPD is already anyway. Get mad at the military driver that caused the accident, not HPD!!!
Chris
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:50 am HST]
1st of all to all of the commuters, I'm sorry you all had to endure long rides home. I'm still waiting for whom ever is responsible to a public apology. Were there no temporary signs posted along the highways or main roads to alert drivers who have no cell phones or radios in their cars? And, how about the lack of communication to local hospitals to not release their patients til after the traffic clearance. I say the police, military, D.O.T..all hve responsibilities in proper communication and need to apologize to the commuters!!!! I have yet to a proper APOLOGY.
Debbie
Kaimuki

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:45 am HST]
Woa!!! Did I go on a plane to nowhere!? Either I've landed back in the Big Dig or I'm in L.A.!? Yeah, I'm pretty surprised...where is the Highway patrol (HPD)!? Sounds like they need to to sit down and analyze this situation from the bottom on up. Pretty rediculous to think that even the local police can't get a hold of a "relatively small mess" ...the department really needs to set aside the resources for just the highway. Or better yet, what does the Sheriff's department do out here? Seems like it would make sense to have the Sheriff's department in charge of the Highway divison (since there is no need for a State Police department). No offense to HPD but, they can't handle both it seems...
JJ
Boston

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:39 am HST]
i was about to leave my house yesterday when my coworker called me and said that freeway has been shutdown but i really need to go to work since its the only job i have,i tried to drive patiently for freakin 3 1/2 hours from kalihi to pearlharbor which im not even close to my working place yet, I staying here at kalihi and my job is in kunia which is about 14 miles distance,i travelled last nite for about 3 1/2 hours for freakin 3 miles and i have about 11 more miles more if i stayed in traffic i would have been in there for whole time,so i decided to back home and sleep cause im sooo tired and my boss won't let let me recover the HOURS I LOST which is im not getting paid for 10 hours fromlast nice stupidity and that stupid driver should pay whatever money that i lost from my work..F***!
jay
downtown

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:35 am HST]
all i know is i didn't get home till 1 in the morning... i work downtown... and i was in that mess for more than 5 hours.. i had to pull over to rest my leg cuz it was getting numb... i don't even want to talk about anymore...
Glenda
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:31 am HST]
After a 10hr day of work followed by a 2hr dissertation meeting in Manoa, I tried to wait out the traffic & left at 10pm. Didn't get home to Pupukea until 4am.(Via H-1, Moanalua, Kam-hwy. I didn't have a radio in my car to get info on the situation & how long the traffic went for, so I kept thinking it would end soon. But it went for 6 hours! Had our officials even made an attempt to put signs up to inform us of how severe the situation actually was, then I could have known to pull off the freeway. HOW HARD IS IT TO PUT SOME SIGNS UP? Even when I took the Moanalua detour through Aiea, there was only ONE detour sign and that was the one kicking us off H-1!! WHAT HELP IS THAT? Come on Hawaii officials, inform your people! You put a lot of your people through unnecessary stress and danger!
Heidi
Pupukea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:31 am HST]
I left Kamehameha School at 6:15pm. Took the North Shore route via Pali Hwy. to the Windward side, then up the coast and around the island. It was slow on Kahekili, then it picked up. Slow in Laie and Kahuku due to the stop lights. Very frustrating, but at least we were moving. Got to Royal Kunia @ 10:25pm. What irritates me was the lack of information and a HPD presence. HPD should have been dispatched all over the island to direct traffic. I also think that some type of contra-flow lane(s) could/should have been set up using either H1 or Kam. Hwy east-bound lanes. DOT and HPD need to get together and make plans to handle this type of situation in the future.
SK
Royal Kunia

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:30 am HST]
The comments left on this message board is a microcosm of the sad turn our state is taking. Instead of showing sympathy for the challenges and inconveniences that people on the west side of the island went through yesterday. People living in town and on the east side feel compelled to tell everyone that they took 10 minutes to get home. Ridiculous, and we wonder why people don't help one another anymore.
Hawaii has lost the Aloha Spirit
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:29 am HST]
I left work at 3PM and went the normal route home. It was a parking lot already. I don't think I have ever been happier to see Radford High School! It was hell!! But finally I got home!! Just a mere 4 HOURS LATER!! And I would just like to thank the driver who basically took out the bridge, not only did you cause traffic for MANY drivers but now all those elementary school kids will have to find an alternate route when it should only really take them 5 minutes to get to school!!
Jeannine
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:28 am HST]
Left work at 11:30pm from the Honolulu Airport, rodger's Blvd, Nimitz underpass, stay on Nimitz till I made a right turn by Burger King leading to enter the freeway on Pearl City, Kapolei bound. I finally got home by 1:30 am. The traffic on Nimitz was at snail pace. I like to thanks Mr. Haraga for making a safety decision on closing the freeway, but at same time I like to ask Mr. Haraga what ever happen to the contingency evacuation plan in case of emergency. If there is one, why was not implemented. I did not see a single police officer present directing the traffic or making sure the flow of cars keep moving. Let this accident be a learning lesson to all the key personnel to come up with a solution, especially on this comming elections September 23, were I get to elect the right leaders
Nestor
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:23 am HST]
Left Kaiser at 5:45 40 mins up a stret that usually takes 1 minute. decided to eat downtown. left ward at 9:45pm arrived nitz, puloa rd, moanalua freeway, moanalua blvd, h1 and home 1:30 am total traffic timeincluding going downtown 5hrs 15 min. should have opned eastbound lanes. worst trafic i have ever seen and have lived in LA, NY and Washington DC. the fact that it went on for over 12 hours is ridiculous!!!!
Tim M
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:21 am HST]
I am shocked at the city's lack of planning and that there were not police at each intersection on Kam Highway directing traffic and allowing a smoother flow of traffic. I am also fearful of any catastrophic event occuring here because I know what the outcome will be. We are all out of luck! It was a terrible eye opener. The technology is out there (to prevent this type of incident)...WHY aren't we taking advantage of it? The City and County of Honolulu should have a contingency plan in the event of any disaster.... WHAT HAPPENED?
Angry in traffic for six hours
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:21 am HST]
First it took me nearly two hours to get from the front gate at Pearl Harbor, to my friend's house house, at Radford Terrace. At one point, I was stopped in the middle of the block EWA-Bound approaching Puuloa for nearly an hour. I'd taken a wrong turn and had to go around the block. Then after picking my friend up and going to dinner, leaving Waikiki at 10:00pm, it took me 3 hours to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor, using Nimitz Highway. During that whole period, we didn't see one police car and nobody was doing any traffic control. Why is their no plan for something like this? Why aren't the traffic lights synchronized in this town? I hope someone gets fired for their incompetence.
Don Berg
Pearl Harbor

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:18 am HST]
I left work late yesterday. When I started to go home I noticed alot of cars backed up waiting to go towards Hawaii Kai and looked up and notice on the overpass/bridge alot of traffic at a standstill. And this was at 7pm. I guess alot of people decided to go around the Island. So I made a (legal) U-Turn and headed to Kahala Mall. Shopped and ate at Pizza Hut (all u-can-eat buffet) But, after the buffet I should have ran home. Took me a whopping 10 minutes to get home at about 9pm. I feel sorry for all those keiki stuck in traffic. Glad I live this side now. But let's not place blame on who was at fault yesterday. Let's kokua and figure out a solution to our traffic problem(s) in Hawaii. Demand that our leaders quit talking and start doing! Regardless of political party!
John
Aina Haina

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:16 am HST]
Ok you can thank 84th ENG Battalion at Schofield Barracks for this mess, dial 449-7110 military info and ask for schofield barracks listing and ask for the 84th ENG Commanding Officer or Staff duty desk listing :) for complaints. It was just announced on the radio that the Militray drivers were from that unit. Also making a bridge that crossed pearl harbor would make no sense. It would be up most of the time and I don't think the navy would want to deal with it. Now if you want a better way for traffic flow, HPD could have let traffic on the east bound lanes but did they, no. Pray for a commuter train to aleve the traffic problems. As for me making it home from Pearl Harbor, 40 minutes from a normal 5 min one.
Nick M.
Salt Lake

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:08 am HST]
Left work at UH at 5:00 PM and got home at 5:10 PM.
Kelina
Palolo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:06 am HST]
After drinking (Green Tea and soda)in town, me and my buddy took the scenic route home. Kapiolani to Kaneohe thru the Pali. Then up thru Laie and Kahuku. Finishing at Waipahu and Ewa. Left at 1245AM, got home at 230AM totalling a little more than 60 miles whole trip. WOOT!!!
Warren
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:00 am HST]
I got on the 93 Makaha Express at the Alapai terminal at 4:20 pm & finally reached Ma'ili at 9:45 pm!!! Who gave that idiot a drivers license?!? Much thanks to the hard working & very patient bus drivers. I would've been ballistic if I had to DRIVE home but the Makaha bus drivers are the BEST!! Now, I'm sick & tired of the traffic, accidents, road closures, etc. that happens FREQUENTLY on the H-1. Mayor, Governor, Rod Haraga, who-ever! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE think about all of us that live on the West coast. Rapid Transit, Pearl Harbor/Iroquois Ferry, Zipper Lane coming & going, Kole Kole, etc. Hurry up with the planning & creation of something! We need all types of alternative transportation for those of us living West!!!!
Puanani
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 9:00 am HST]
Left work at 4:15pm, picked my son up from school, got home about 4:45pm. I love living in town!!!
Amber
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:58 am HST]
Our idiot 93 express bus driver took 6 and one half hours -- because dispatch never called him and he never called dispatch. He decided to go the stadium way on the expressway instead of getting off. He got into the left hand lane, which was the very very slowest, as cars were moving much faster on the right, and refused to get off the freeway at any time. I got on the bus at 3:30 and got to Makaha at 10pm. I'm sure glad we had the bus strike, where we couldn't get to work for weeks, because those guys really deserve to make 80k a year. It's for sure no one else would hire them for anything. Hawaii has no emergency plans. No other state in the country would have allowed a situation like this. Thanks, Gov. Lingle.
robin joan
makaha

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:52 am HST]
I stayed in town till 8pm to try to avoid the traffic but still ended up spending 4 hours in traffic not getting home till midnight. We really need to find a way to fix this problem. Why didn't they open extra lanes from the other side to help with all the back log?
Christie
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:52 am HST]
7:20pm We just arrived from Hilo and had to wait at the airport for an hour so my daughters could pick us up and take us home not knowing what was out there. 8:30 it took us 30 minutes to get from the airport post office to the Nimitz stop lite. then another hour from Nimitz to Moanaloa stop lite. Then 4 hours from Moanaloa to Pearl Ridge. There were a bunch of people on the side of the road tailgating and just wating this thing out. There were a bunch of ambulances that need to pass so they passed on the other side. Everyone tried to cooperate, there werent any rage'ers on our side and no police to help direct the traffic either....Oh si we finally go to Pearl City and saw a bunch of cops directing traffic...were there wasnt any...1:00am HOME SWEET HOME
Cyndi
Village Park

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:50 am HST]
Left Kaimuki @6:45pm (Kim Chee II) for Waianae via red hill, Kam Hwy (Thanks for the flashing yellow lights and HPD at the two big intersections in Pear City (old PCT site and Sam's club). Back on H-1 after Sam's club and got home at 9:15pm. DA plan is to drive AFTER the sun goes down, EAT a full/leisure meal, unload the liquids and solids (use da restroom) and drive with Aloha and carefully.
bob
waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:46 am HST]
I had yesterday off...my husband and I left Makakilo at 415pm not knowing that H-1 was closed. No traffic sighns or billboards telling us it was! states fault! Left Sand Island at 815pm thinking traffic would have cleared out by then. Nimitz was still bumper to bumper to Ala Moana. We ended up driving all around the North Shore which at 11-1 was still bumpber to bumper! Got home a 230 am! My question is why was the H-1 or Kam Highway not opened (east bound lane) to let traffic go west. Tell the people on the west side to stay home. HPD has no problem parking in the middle of H-1 to block it one way they would do a fine job blocking it fm the west side leave one lane open for emergancy. What the hell are we supposed to do in an emergancy situation. Thanks a lot DOT and HPD!!!!
Ashley
Makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:44 am HST]
Left work at 6:15, got home at 6:17. Brutal.
Hackett
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:43 am HST]
My son left Kamehameha Schools a little before 3:30pm. The school bus did not arrive in Makakilo until 7:15. 4 hours on a bus full of probably very hungry & tired kids.....BIG MAHALOS to Fulton and all the other KSBE drivers for your patience and taking care of our kids. IMUA!!!!!
Chris & Dylan
Makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:39 am HST]
I got on the 98 Express at Alapai at 4:15 pm. And I got off the bus at around 10:20 pm. That's six hours. The bus went from Alapai onto Beretania to Liliha then onto Vineyard where it took the Vineyard on-ramp then to the Airport viaduct. We stayed on the freeway until the Aiea off. Once we got off the freeway, it didn't take us very long to get to Mililani. If only the bus driver took another route like the other express bus drivers, we might've reached our destination sooner.
SAM
Mililani Mauka

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:38 am HST]
Left work (Maluhia) with husband at 3:30PM. 4:30PM-just inched past Ft Shafter area in the unusually thick and slow-moving traffic, took Tripler exit & turned back east-bound to Ranch-99. Not too long after we arrived, the place started to fill up with other commuters stuck in the traffic. Had slow dinner, time for kakuro & we decided to hit the road again by 7:00PM. Traffic was even worse so we headed back to town and went to see "Little Miss Sunshine" in Ward Theaters. After the movie, at 10:00PM-we joined a caravan of commuters determined to go home & trekked back round-the-island route. Didn't mind the sporadic slowing-down and the rain. In fact, the sea breeze was very refreshing. We were finally home at 1:30AM. By the way, it pays to always have a full-tank of gas in your car. SMILE!
Perie
Waipio Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:34 am HST]
Got stupid drivers?
Rhonda
Eva Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:32 am HST]
My boyfriend and I got onto Nimitz by the airport about 4:30 which by then the traffic was already backed up. We tried to keep heading towards home but we weren't even moving at all. We decided to turn around and head to Ala Moana to try and wait out the traffic and have dinner. Later on we left Ala Moana about 9:00 and wnet on to the freeway. We didn't get home till almost 1:00 in the morning. I think that the person driving the truck should make a public apology to all those who had to sit in that traffic yesterday. He should also be checked to see if he was really certified to be driving at all.
Christina
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:31 am HST]
I'm so glad my friends and I stopped at the Cove Bar in Ala Moana where we stayed until 10pm because Tiare is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. After that, Paul managed to cut through Kalihi, Fort Shafter, Salt Lake, and Aiea before getting back on the H1. I got to Waikele at 11:45pm.
Abe
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:30 am HST]
Thanks to the Advertiser for free movie passes to Hollywoodland at Dole Cannery in town, we were caught up in the traffic nightmare. Left movie at 9:30PM to dine at Zippy's Nimitz. Got onto Nimitz via the freeway past the airport at 10:45PM thinking the traffic lightened up. Arrived at home at 3:00AM in Waipahu. Didn't feel like a winner due to the traffic mess. But thank you for the movie passes anyway.
Tired
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:28 am HST]
I left Kaiser Hospital parking lot at 5:00 pm and went around the island through Kaneohe, Kahuluu, Kahuku, Schofield Barracks, H-2, to Kunia and I got home at 10:45 pm.
Esther
Kunia

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:28 am HST]
I left Hickam AFB at 4:15 pm. I got on Kam Highway, stayed on it till I got to Pearl City, then went up on the H-1. Took me 2 hrs 40 minutes. A number of people I work with went H-3 and drove around the North Shore to get to Mililani and Ewa.
Dawn Kucera
Waipahu - Village Park

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:24 am HST]
DOT, we need better information--Internet is a good start, but need more traffic signs that tell you what to expect. And include estimated times for travel distances. Get this detailed info on the radio. More information is better. It would have great if there was a plan for Ewa bound contra-flow lanes on H-1 and Kam Hghy. (Didn't we see this during the Katrina evacuation?) Let's learn from this experience and plan ahead. DOT, HPD what's your plan?
Dylan
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:24 am HST]
I left work in downtown near Aloha Tower at around 6:00pm and decided to go up on Beretania then on King. I thought wow traffic isn't so bad. It only took me 20 minutes to get to Liliha and King. Mistake, as soon as I got up to Farrington High school on King, it was a parking lot. I didn't get to the Fort Shafter exit until 7:45pm! I live 15 minutes away from downtown when there is no traffic. It was an absolute nightmare! It took me almost two hours to get home! RIDICULOUS!
Cynthia
Moanalua Gardens

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:22 am HST]
It took me forty-five minutes from ala kawa street to the airport post office to drop off my daugther's package. And then from the airport post office, took all the back roads to get home took me about one hour to get home to Pacific Palisades in Pearl City. Bottom line you got to know what routes to take.
Terrilynn Cabradilla
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:10 am HST]
WE LEFT ALA MOANA AT 4:30 PM TO GO TO WAIPAHU. GAVE UP AT 6:00 TO FEED THE KIDS AT ZIPPY'S DILLINGHAM. GOT BACK ON THE FREEWAY AT 7:15 PM AND DID NOT GET HOME UNTIL MIDNIGHT. MY KIDS STILL HAD TO FINISH UP WITH HOMEWORK. THE DRIVER THAT CAUSED THIS SHOULD BE GIVEN TWO TESTS: DRUG TEST AND I.Q TEST. I'M PRETTY SURE HE'LL FAIL BOTH. IF THERE IS ANY BRIGHT SPOT IN THIS UNPLEASANT ORDEAL, IT WAS THE PATIENCE AND COOPERATION THAT OAHU DRIVERS EXHIBITED.
ANGELO
WAIPAHU

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:08 am HST]
My wife and I car pooled that day so we could attend our daughters JV V-ball game (5pm Aiea vs. Leileihua) at Leileihua, she left Alakea at 3:30 to pick me up at Camp Smith and it took her 3 hours to get to Camp Smith. We missed the game, however Aiea won and my mother was there to watch her play and bring her home. It took us an additional hour or so to get out of Aiea and back to the West Side. Lot's of dead cars on the side of the road over heating. Need advice? Buy a Toyota or Nissan and you won't add to the road rage!
Jeff
Maili Point

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:07 am HST]
We need to have a plan in place which allows for efficent contraflow of traffic during times of crisis. I had plenty of time last night to notice the lack of traffic heading in the "townbound" direction. Seems to me that managing traffic by opening a few more lanes temporarily would have eased this situation. I'm sure our city and county has no shortage of traffic cones or cone trucks.
Terry
Makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:05 am HST]
left downtown honolulu at 4:30 reached home at 9p.m. 5 hours driving at 5mph!
kelly
waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:04 am HST]
I work in Wahiawa and live in Mililani. It took me 15 minutes to get home. I used to work in town and am so thankful that I made the move to work closer to home!!!
katie
mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:04 am HST]
My wife and I left Kalihi-Kai at 7:00 PM...it took five hours to reach our home in Mililani. Along the way, not a single piliceman was to be seen and the East bound lanes was vacant. Why wasn't the traffic better managed and why weren't the East bound lanes of the H-1 used in contraflow? Incompetence!
Toby
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:02 am HST]
No problem. Traffic is not like the Philippines. Everybody is a crazy driver.
Bong Bong
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 8:02 am HST]
Left downtown Honolulu at 4:30 and reached home at 8:00.
Danielle
Waipio Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:59 am HST]
Congrats to hero Rod Haraga and crew for fixing the overpass problem. But he needs a just as important counterpart to focus and mobilize detour contingency plans. As soon as they decided the zipper lane would not reopen, they should have mobilized the cone crew to establish a contraflow path using the H1 eastbound lanes. Or at a certain point(8PM), shut down eastbound onramps to the H1 and let traffic flow from the airport to H1/H2 merge. I think I only saw 2 police cars along the traffic route and non were out there directing traffic. Rod don't be a hero, just do what's best for the 1000's of families that you left stranded in traffic for 4 hours or longer!
cuda_a
makakilo

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:49 am HST]
I went from my first job at Fort Shafter to my second job in Mapunapuna and it took me 1/2 hour at 4pm to get from one place to another. Then I got off at 8:30 and traveled to Aiea - just to the Camp Smith/Halawa cut off and it took me until 10:40 pm to get there. Things would have gone on smoother if there were more cops directing traffic or at least situated in the problems like the intersection at the top of red hill where the left lane is suppose to turn left and not go straight to merge with the right lane and the merge going down onto the halawa/camp smith cut off where everyone is blocking the H3 onramp to get onto the cutoff to get into Aiea. These two areas are such a problem on a daily basis that is turns into a nightmare when something like this happens......................
Sandy
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:48 am HST]
I left work at 4PM. I decided to get off at the Airport Exit, then headed back into town and took the Likelike, then Kam Highway around the island and came down Kunia Road. The traffic was only bad on the Kahekili Hwy portion and in Laie. The scenery was beautiful and I made it home by 7:30 PM. This was relatively stress free rather than sitting in the H1 parking lot smelling other peoples gas fumes! Congrats to the DOT for getting on this right away and taking corrective action. Well done!
Dave
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:48 am HST]
Went to Ala Moana after my sons' football practice (big mistake.... took us deeper into traffic) that was at 7pm at 11:30pm ended up right back where we started (Halawa exit area) anyway we left Ala Moana at 8:30pm took Nimitz (another mistake) got on Dillingham then Kalihi St. to Likelike then west bound on H-1 (took 1 1/2 hour to get to PearlRigde area) from there only around 7 minutes home .... Kamehameha Hwy. was moving!
Brenda
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:45 am HST]
With all the advance notice of traffic, I was able to leave my work place at Ala Moana at 8:45 PM. I took the Likelike to Kaneohe... stopped off for a pit stop at Ross'... then zoomed it home to Aiea Heights by 10:00 PM. I thought it took forever, but not after reading everyone else's story!
John
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:44 am HST]
A few of our westside co-workers and I stayed back at our office near Ala Moana just watching the traffic cams on the internet until the wee hours of the morning. We couldn't believe the enormous traffic that the accident caused. Finally saw traffic moving quite well along Moanalua Freeway around midnight. I left the office at about 12:30am and got home in about 1 1/2 hours. Unfortunately for my aunt who left her work place at 5:30pm in Honolulu, didn't get to Waipahu until about the same time as I got home. She was stuck for over 7 hours. Ooh well, MURPHY strikes again. But i'm glad we both made it home safe.
Bobby
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:43 am HST]
We left downtown at 7:30 p.m. and got off Nimitz to the Wendy's at 9:30 p.m. Took a half hour break and got on Salt Lake Blvd. via Peltier St. and got home at 11:55 p.m. While at Wendy's some buses were allowing their passengers to get off and get some food and use the bathrooms before heading out further. I just want to commend the bus drivers and the many other drivers out there yesterday. It really could of been worse. Thank you for driving with ALOHA!
Carin Iha
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:43 am HST]
Left work at Pearl Harbor at 3:30 pm took an hour and a half to just get from Nimitz gate onto the H-1. After another 20 minutes to get to the Radford Drive overpass decided to take H-3 and go around the Island. Just one suggestion. HPD could have provided traffic control at the stop ligt in Kahuku. That one light casued traffic to back up to Hau'ula resulting in another 30 minute delay just in that area. All and all I saw a great sunset on the North Shore. Got to Wahiawa around 7:30 pm.
Warren
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:43 am HST]
Left work at Pearl Harbor at 3:30 pm took an hour and a half to just get from Nimitz gate onto the H-1. After another 20 minutes to get to the Radford Drive overpass decided to take H-3 and go around the Island. Just one suggestion. HPD could have provided traffic control at the stop ligt in Kahuku. That one light casued traffic to back up to Hau'ula resulting in another 30 minute delay just in that area. All and all I saw a great sunset on the North Shore. Got to Wahiawa around 7:30 pm.
Warren
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:38 am HST]
To all you commuters: Makiki Condo for sale. See Sunday\'s open house ads. Left downtown at 4:15 p.m. Arrived home at 4:30 p.m. (door to door).
Not stuck in traffic
Makiki

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:37 am HST]
Headed home for Waipahu via Pali Hwy through Kahuku at 9 p.m. 100 others must have decided on the same route. Got home at 11:50 p.m. Military needs to be held accountable, and driver should have his CDL revoked. Mahalo DOT for promptly resolving the situation and auwe to the idiot who caused thousands of people to get a few hours of sleep.
Alan
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:28 am HST]
If it wasn't for everyone's kindness and tolerance yesterday, things really could have gotten out of hand. I saw people cutting in and out of lanes, people driving illegally on the shoulder lane, some driving and talking on cell phones, you know, the things that would normally bother most people. But everyone just had the same mindset, WE ALL LIKE GO HOME! So, instead of causing a riot, drivers were extraordinarily tolerant and uncommonly courteous. It truly was humbling, especially seeing the vehicles with children boiling in their carseats with no air conditioning and their parents trying frantically to keep them comfortable. It took me about 3 1/2 hours to get home, but it could have been so much worse. Thank you, Hawaii, for driving with aloha!
Warren
Mililani Mauka

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:28 am HST]
Left Downtown at 4:00pm and got home at 8:45pm. The freeway was a parking lot. The cars were bumper to bumper. People were turning their engines off, bikers were rolling/walking their bikes. Cars pulled over to the side and watched the traffic, cars were over heating. This was the worst traffic me & my husband ever been through. We could have reached LA if we were in a plane flying. But what upsets me is we have a 2 years old daughter that was waiting for us at the sitters. Traffic was nuts! So what kind of compensation do us commuters who were stuck in traffic for hours get?...Can we get any compensation from the military since they caused it?
Sista
Ewa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:28 am HST]
I left UH at 8:45 pm and didn't make it home until 1 am! I took Nimitz and then took a shortcut through the Navy Exchange which seemed to help quite a bit.
Siska
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:27 am HST]
I HAVE YET HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE DRIVER AND THE ARMY APLOGY CAUSING A GREAT DEAL OF PUBLIC DISTRUPTION LAST NIGHT. THEY SHOULD TAKE A RESPONSILITY FOR THIS, AND PAY EACH COMMUTOR A COMPENSATION FOR LOST FROM THIS ACCIDENT. IT TOOK MORE THAN 6 HOURSE FROM DOWNTOWN TO EWA BEACH, AND I LOST AN EARNING OPPORTUNITY THAT COST ME MORE THAN $1,000.00.
Stan Yamamoto
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:24 am HST]
I went to kaneohe at around 5:30PM and saw the accident up close. I knew I was in for a voyage when I thought about how I was getting home. When I was ready to leave Kaneohe at around 9:30 PM I decided to go around the island via Kaawa and Turtle Bay. Although it was a crawl at times, I managed to make it home by 11:30 PM. I shoudn't complain considering what I've read above. Aloha and Have A Great Day!
Rick Peralta
Ewa Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:21 am HST]
Coming off of Hickam, it took our vanpool about 2.5 hours to just get near Aloha Stadium, about 4 for me to get home. In that kind of traffic, there's no road rage; everyone just wants to get home and get the day over with. One of my friends from work was behind me and called me on my cell, asking if i wanted a bottle of water. I accepted his offer, with an exchange of a bag of chip for his troubles. A large hawaiian man in an equally large truck quickly honked his horn in what we thought was disapproval, but it turned out that he was just thirsty and wanted to purchase a bottle of water from us. My friend obliged, insisting that we take the bottle instead of buying it. He was totally grateful. Only in Hawaii would you find the Aloha Spirit in the heart of yesterday's disaster.
Ikaika
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:18 am HST]
My daughter attends Mid Pacific Institute in Manoa. She caught the bus after her French class @ 4:00pm and did not get to the Mililani bus stop until 9:15pm. The bus took a pit stop at the Navy Exchange so people could use the bathroom as well as get something to eat @ McDonalds. According to my daughter Lauren, the bus allowed a male passenger to get off the bus while on the freeway to use the bathroom that's when the bus driver asked if anyone else needed to use the restroom. Although it was a long ordeal, Lauren says she made a lot of new friends on the bus and bonded with the other passengers.
Ann Nakamura
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:15 am HST]
Left Ft. Shafter at 5:30 p.m. and was routed down Nimitz under the viaduct. Got as far as the Navy Exchange area of Nimitz and got a wild idea...turn around, go over the Likelike to the Windward side and take a tour around the island along Kam Hwy back through the North Shore and then up to Mililani. There were some slow spots (this was not an original idea) going through Haaula and then again in Laie around the Cultural Center, but IT WAS MOVING! Stopped for a short break in Laie, and made it home by 11:00. Not the best way to go, but I drive a hybrid, it was a cool night with the windows down and the drive wasn't too bad. Not sure what the answer is to the problem, but this should be a huge wake up call. One major artery breaking down will paralyze this island.
Raul
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:15 am HST]
I left my office Kapiolani/Ward @ 7:10pm. Took all the back roads I can possibly remember only to get caught in a parking lot on the on ramp to the H-1 via Bus Terminal and Love Bakery. I took me 1 hour and 45 minutes just to get to the Airport. I picked up a friend and we headed the opposite directions and when home via Wilson Tunnel - Kahaluu - North Shore (even that was backed up at one point!!) 4 hours totally journey time - arrived home @ ll:37pm. Tired, exhausted and hungry!! Woke up @ 4am to get to work.. did not want to get caught in any delays..
Sherry S
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:11 am HST]
left work at Ala Kawa Street @ 3pm, got on the Moanalua Freeway at the Middle Street on ramp west bound, got off on the Tripler off ramp, traveled up Salt Lake Blvd. to Kahuapaani, turned left onto Ulune (spent 30 minutes inching along Ulune Street). took 45 minutes to get home on Aiea Heights! Need to open that road Hale Wiliko Street!!
Blythe
Aiea Heights

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:10 am HST]
Left work at Ala Moana at 4:30 p.m. for Mililani. Took Pali Highway, then Kam Highway and the Circle Island Tour. While there was sunlight, it was a nice change of pace altho I wouldn't want to do it often. Traffic was slow until Kahuku, then opened up all the way to Mililani. Got home at 8:30 p.m. I want the name of the person who caused this avoidable accident. I want to know where his children go to school. I want to use his head as a volleyball. OK, my venting is over. I'm cool! Have a nice day!!
Roy
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:08 am HST]
Left Farrington High School at 7:50 PM, went on Nimitz to the H1. It took 5.5 hours to reach the Aiea exit. Got home at 2:00 AM. My husband on the other hand left Kahaluu at 12:30 AM and got home at 1:45 AM. I'm tired. Woke up at 4:45 AM because I knew traffic heading into town this morning would be heavy. Next time I'll just overnight in town.
Karen
Waipio Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:07 am HST]
RLeft Restauraunt Row at 7:O5 PM I got home to Waikele at 1:15 AM. Lagoon Drive intersection under the viaduct was the WORSE. It really need some HPD traffic control there-semi's, pickips, sedans,SUV's taxi's-it was everyman and woman for themselves trying to navigate it. HPD was REALLY needed there.
Rod Dickson
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:05 am HST]
Left my Kalihi office at 6:20 p.m. From the onset the traffic was backed up. All arteries, Dillingham and Nimitz Hwy were at a stand still. Elected to take the airport freeway overpass. That too was a stop and go (inch at a time) process. I seen numerous cars pulled over on the side to wait for the traffic to subside. My wife was calling me every hour on my progress, There was a time around 8:30 p.m. where I told her I only moved 100 feet from her last call. The traffic was extremely slow after I passed the airport heading toward the stadium. I finally reached home at 12:15 a.m. Thats 6 hours. My wife said she could have flown to Las Vegas and get there faster that my commute from Kalihi to Mililani. This is a wakeup call that we need better traffic prepareness.
Rick
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 7:03 am HST]
Left 469 Ena Rd in Waikiki (Waipuna Condo) at 5:15PM enroute to Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (3950 Paine Circle) near Hickam AFB. Took Nimitz Hwy. AT 7:50 PM we were still totally bogged down at Ohohia St and Nimitz. Turned around and returned to Waikiki. Our daughter had been sitting at a bus stop near Kaimuki HS for almost 2 hours waiting for a bus to come by to return her home from school. It became more important to get our daughter out of the dark, standed at a bus stop, than to make it to church.
Wes and Andrea Stewart
Waikiki

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:55 am HST]
I'm was amazed when I got off the plane at Honolulu International. I thought I was still in Los Angeles. Talk to your mayor or DOT representative. They need to come out with a solution or Hawaii will lose more tourist. Good Luck....
Kevin
Los Angeles

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:55 am HST]
Caught the usual Express Bus 103 to Waikele. Bus got onto Freeway just before 5 pm.....didn't reach zipper house until 9:14 pm....didn't get into Waikele until almost 11:15 pm. I drove into town today.
Lana R. Zagala
Waikele/Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:53 am HST]
My husband had a doctor's appointment at Kaiser Moanalua and got done by 4:00 p.m. Apparently, he couldn't get out of the parking lot because of the traffic congestion. He finally reached home to Hawaii Kai at 8:00 p.m. It took him four hours to reach home in opposite direction of accident.
Carole
Hawaii Kai

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:51 am HST]
I left Kahala School at 3 p.m. As I approached Kalihi, that's when it stopped. It took me 2.5 hours to get into Aiea! Got to my home at 6 p.m.! Couldn't even get off the freeway. It was a mess! Someone needs to take responsibility for this mess!
auntysam
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:51 am HST]
I got picked up from school (Iolani) at 3:20 and we tried to take the H-1 (airport). Up to the airport was smooth, but when we got to th rport area was so slow we went take Nimitz. When we tried to exit back onto the H-1, the traffic was so slw. Went take us 3 hours to get to the Moanalua Hwy. Exit. We went on KAm Hwy. via that exit. Got home at 8:45. Five Hours!
Guthrie
Royal Kunia

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:48 am HST]
Left work, on Punahou, at 11PM, I thought traffic would be cleared already!!!!!!!!! Yeah righ...!!!!!!!! It was fine until I almost got to Airport. I could see the airport exit from freeway but couldn't get to it. Talk about frustration!!!!!!!! I decided, I needed to take airport exit to go around. I live in Navy Housing so I kinda know how to take little roads to get home. I took Caitlin Dr, off Nimitz, drove around neighborhood. I finally got home around 12:20AM. I was lucky. How many would be like me if something like this happened again!!!!! I guest that a map would help to find different roads to go on, at least to be out of the frustration of standing still traffic.
Seagull
Pearl Harbor

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:42 am HST]
My husband picked me up at PHNSY about 3:15pm. Saw there was snarling cars from the gate when we got out of the base, tried to use on the Kam hwy under the airport viaduct fwy and turned around back to the gate. Got in the base and drove to the Halawa gate instead of Kam hwy. Then get out of the gate, used on Kam hwy all the way until reached Kaahumanu and caught H1 home at 4:30pm. I hope we can built the long bridge from PHNSY to Ewa Beach or to Waipahu or to PC but lot of costs.
Dina
Waipio

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:41 am HST]
It took me about 5.5 hours from Hawaii Kai @ my carpenter job to Waianae. Traffic was dead stop in Hawaii Kai, but had some chicks. Aloha and No road rage.
Traffic Victim
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:37 am HST]
I left Pearl Harbor at 3:55pm heading for H1. My car overheated and ran out of gas right outside of Pearl Harbor at about 5pm. I was forced to abandon my vehicle and ride with a co-worker. I like in Koauka Loop right off the highway. I walked in my door at 9:20pm. Five hours to go a couple miles, people were definitely stressed out. Women fighting to get off the road to feed their children, men searching for a way to fix their broken vehicles and people like myself asking people passing by if they can spare some water. I come from Boston and commuted regularly to New York all my life and I would have to say that this is a first. All I could say last night is WOW!!!
Jamie
Aiea, HI

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:32 am HST]
so the military damaged the freeway with a machine that is going to rip up more land for their use. we cannot use the kolekole pass unless the state ask. and the "townies" tell us folks to shut up. It's their turn soon. 5 1/2 hrs to my hale.
Richard
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:28 am HST]
My husband & I stayed in town because of the traffic mess. Ate dinner at Red Lobster, left there right before 8pm and headed out to the windward side and low and behold...TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE. It was slow going all the way through until we reached Hau'ula. We finally got to our destination, Wahiawa, at 10:50. Went to bed finally around 11:45 pm, got up at 4 o'clock this morning to start a new day.....I'm grouchy! hahaha
Leanne
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:26 am HST]
Left Pearl Harbor at 3:00pm to pick up child at Iolani School and then head home to Newtown in Aiea. Stayed in the left lane of the H-1 from University all the way to Halawa where both freeways merged and then Kam Highway. Got home at 7:25pm. Just glad to get home safely and glad we had a full tank of gas. No sense in getting upset; thousands of other people were in the same situation. Would a mass transit system solve this problem? I don't think so....
James Bohner
Aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:22 am HST]
We stayed at work late, then shopped at Ala Moana then had dinner in town. We left from Kinau/Pensacola at 9:05pm and took the H1, Moanalua Rd, then Kam Hwy. We didn't reach Kam Hwy. until 11:05pm then it was smooth sailing all the way through Pearl City (thanks to the green lights!). We entered H2 by Sams Club and finally reached home at 11:25pm. We didn't get to sleep until 12:30am and had to wake up at 4:00am for the commute back to town.
JoAnn
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:22 am HST]
I went the around about way, up LikeLike,down H-3 and up Halawa Hgts road. It took longer to convince my partner to buy in to the idea to take LikeLike then it was to reach home. My commute time from work which is located at Dillingham to Halawa Hgts took 30 minutes and let me tell you the traffic at Dillingham was paralized just like the H-1.
Faith Tanaka
Halawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:17 am HST]
it was nothing just like thailand
greg
pearl city

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:13 am HST]
At 3:30 pm we left Ft. Shafter heading west and took the Tripler off and went to the Walter J. Nagorski Golf Course and had some PUPU'S @ about 5:30 pm we went to a friends office on Ft. Shafter to watch the 6 O clock news and some reality TV and monitor the Traffic WEB CAMS @ 8:15 pm we decide to get a hotel room around the airport area, from are room we could see the traffic on the via duct, thats when I knew we had made the right DECISION.
Mike D
EWA

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:11 am HST]
Left job in Mapunapuna, headed to Ala Moana for dinner. Left Ala Moana at 7pm. Travelled Nimitz, airport viaduct, Aiea off ramp, Kam up to Waipio. Got home at 1:05 am. Along the way I passed many people who had to pull over to cool their cars. Twice ambulances made their way through the mess. If anyone is in doubt of the need for rail transit, then they are in denial.
Meryl
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:09 am HST]
I gor off work around 1505. Went and saw a movie at Dole Theatre. The movie was over around 1830. Left Dole around 1900 and took the Pali to Kam Hwy around the Island for a nice 3.5 drive.
James H. Holloman II
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 6:09 am HST]
Left work at 3:00 pm. Didn't hear about the accident on any radio station until about 3:30 pm. Took Moanalua Freeway to Kam Hwy (Thank God there were Police Officers directly traffic), where all the lights were flashing yellow. Went up to Kaahuamanu and caught the H1 home to Ewa Beach. Reached home at 5:17 pm.
Cheryl
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:53 am HST]
Left work in Pearl Harbor at 3pm sharp. Saw the damaged freeway signs on the way out to the freeway. Took me an hour to get to accident site. Then the radio announced the freeway in both directions would be closed. Just made it through!!! I was lucky. My neighbor who flew in from the mainland got it worst. He spent over 3 hours coming home from the airport - in a taxi. Must have cost him over $100. Maybe he was lucky too. At least we both made it home under 4 hours, unlike so many of you who didn't make it home until after 12am.
Donald
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:45 am HST]
Left the office in Ala Moana at 6:30pm got as far as Bishop St. in town and the wife and I decided to have a nice dinner at Restaurant Row. Left at 8:00pm and drove up Pali Hwy to Kailua, drove down Kam Hwy and then on the H3 to Aiea. Drove along Moanalua Road to Pearliridge and entered Waipahu on-ramp to get home to Ewa Beach at 9:30pm. Ain't no beeg thing. We found a great restaurant! We were very grateful drivers were patient and moved along to keep the traffic flow going. We're thinking of taking the week off!
Mick
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:43 am HST]
I was one of the lucky ones, I Left Tripler Hospital about 8:10 PM and got on the H-1. Once on H-1 it took me 1 hour to reach the top of Red Hill. I debated if I should take the Halawa or Pearl Ridge cut off. I took the Pearl Ridge cut off and was home by 10:00pm.
Marianne
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:39 am HST]
My sister calls me each night to advise she is stuck in traffic on her way home to Wapahui and I complain about the "traffic" we have on this island with "NO BRIDGE" to the airport. I think she is still stuck in traffic as I haven't heard from her today. She had gone 2 miles in about 1 hour. It sounds like mass transit is in order or maybe you should try for a bridge also!! GOOD LUCK!
Hazel Aldrich
Ketchikan, Alaska

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:36 am HST]
Left Liliha at 4:10 P.M. for Pearl City. Once on the H1, I took the Airport exit thinking that the Viaduct would be faster. Bad Move! I didn't get home until 10:30 P.M. What made it worse was that even though the Viaduct has more lanes, it's all funneled to the Aiea exit. Also, police escorted vehicles through this parking lot twice! First with 4 semitrucks, the second with a small crane and forklift.
Les
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:20 am HST]
Left work in Kalihi at 6:45 pm, did not get home until 11:45 pm. I hope this morning commute is better than that!
Mililani resident
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 5:05 am HST]
I was driving the rt.52, Wahiawa-circle island. Left Ala Moana at 445pm, arrived Kam/middle at 745. Got authorized to head through Kaneohe. Traffic from Kaaawa to Kahuku HS. due to the traffic lights down there, smooth after that. My Haleiwa passengers got there at 1015pm. Mililani pax at 11pm. When driving through Aiea, I saw the Makakilo and Wahiawa express just entering into Aiea by pearlridge. They leave downtown about 530pm. At 1am, got a call from dispatch, they were looking for a 14 year old iolani female student who had just arrived home. What a mess. Just think if something were to happen at Kam./and H-1 overpass by the waiau power plant, what is the plan then? What about a major earthquake or cat 5 hurricane. We are ill prepared, what a wake up call!!!!
John
Honolulu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:49 am HST]
Well, I wasn't heading home this evening, I was heading to work. Needless to say because of traffic I was three hours late to work! I left Hickam at 6:15 and stupidly took the H-1 exit and I didnt even reacy the Aiea exit till 10:00. Finally I arrived at work, which is next to Schofield at 10:40 four and a half hours later.
Kanita
Hickam AFB

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:46 am HST]
I left Kakoi st at 6:30 pm,It took me 3 hrs & 15 mins to get to Valkenburg St on Nimtz below the viaduct. Turned onto Valkenburg,got onto Salt lake Blvd.and got on to Kam Hwy at the stadium. I finanlly got home at 10:30 PM. Rediculous, I hope something is done to reprimand the military people that was in charge of moving that piece of heavy equipment.There was a lot lot of time and fuel cost wasted out there.
Nolan M. Grace
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:29 am HST]
Auwe! Five hours from Pearl Harbor to home. The real tradegy was that when i exited the Aiea cutoff there was not a Police man at any traffic light. The lights along Moanalua Road were still operating like nothing had happened. The whole focus seemed to be to get the equipment in to fix the bridge and neglect the hardwroking citizens of this city. Telling commuters to allow for extra drive time when it takes an extra 4 hours or more is insulting. Today will be the biggest sick day in the State's History. Nice plan! Authorities need to realize that if you are going to funnel all of West Oahu through Kam Hwy and Moanalua Road you need to man the traffic lights. God forbid anything real threatens or community. And if it does remember: "Expect delays,take an alternate route,& Mahalo."
M. Fitz
Kunia

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 4:05 am HST]
If we have the capabilities of the Military, why didnt we ask them to demolish and clean up the overpass? Dont they do things like that for a living? They can move faster than the State for sure.
Garry
Kahala

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:48 am HST]
My brother, who lives in Mililani is sleeping over here in Manoa instead of wrestling with traffic all night long !
G
Manoa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:48 am HST]
Since this was a MILITERY MISHAP ; Do u think we could have use the MILITERY to build a temporery bridge from HIKAM AFB to IROQUIOS PT.HMMMM!!!! Like The one u c on TV ALL u can BE.
poipounder
Ewa Gentry

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:44 am HST]
I took the bus Leaving the school (HMA) at 7:30 pm and arrived in Kapolei at 3:30, eight hours later. I have to turn around and catch the bus back to school in an hour and a half. I guess I'll eat breakfast and feed the dog and get ready for another ride. Back home on Molokai we don't even have a traffic light let alone this kind of traffic. Kealaokeakua Morgan
Kealaokeakua Morgan
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:43 am HST]
Left downtown @ 0530 PM, decided to skip traffic by opting to wait out til 0700 PM. Then got on the Freeway H1 West and then after seeing the traffic we changed and drove to walmart and waikiki. Left waikiki @ 0900 pm progressed to airport till 1100 pm. took exit to pearl harbour, saw running out of gas, so drove back to nimitz and decided to go to H3 via Pali, but the idea was unsuccessful, finally went around the island to ewa and finally got home at 300 am! city gotta do something about this nightmare!
nitin
ewa beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:38 am HST]
I left U.H. at 8:40 pm, and I got to Mililani at 2:45 am. Totally, totally NUTS! Went H-1 westbound to the Aiea/Pearlridge exit, to Kam Hwy., to Kaahumanu Street to H-1 west to H-2 to Mililani....whew! I seriously believe it would have been faster to walk!
James Kinney
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:29 am HST]
Left McCully at 9:30pm and went down to Ala Moana Blvd/Nimitz heading to the airport. It took 3 hours to get to the Airport Hotel on Nimitz. Traffic was still backed up after midnight. Took 5 minutes to get back to Makiki.
Malena
Makiki

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:25 am HST]
much thanks to tony manuel, country express bus driver! i just got off the bus at 221am, and glad to be safe!
Kimo
Waianae

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:25 am HST]
Someone called my office at 3:30pm to tell us about the accident and the traffic so I stayed at work until nearly midnight--I figured it must have been cleared up by then. I couldn't belive all the traffic was still there. It took an hour to get to the H-3 cutoff, and then drove up H-3 and then around the island to Waipahu. Got home at 2:30 am. Wish there was more information about the status of the roads. The radio was not very helpful. Thanks to J. Yotsura at least I knew what happened. Next time driver, get the permit--and radio stations, let us know what's happening! Not going to forget this night for a long time.
Dylan
Waipahu

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 3:21 am HST]
Left town at 3pm, was stuck on Red Hill about 4pm. I decided to hit H-3 and go around North Shore. Had a very nice scenic and uneventful drive, got to Kunia around 6:15p, did some shopping, and was back home in Ewa Beach by 7p.
anthony h
ewa beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:42 am HST]
Please do not blame HPD. There are about 17 officers that work from Pali to Salt Lake. Imagine all the 911 calls that come in for injured or people that need medical assistance to the motor vehicle accidents that happened throughout this fiasco...and the time to get to these cases in that horrible traffic. That leaves no one to direct traffic! If anyone is to blame, blame the guy who didn't have the common sense to measure his truckload of equipment before he went through the overpass!
^-^
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:33 am HST]
Left work at 6 pm, saw the traffic and decided to go and eat dinner and watch Pirates of the Caribbean 2 at Dole. Left Dole around 11pm. Took Dillingham toward the viaduct and decided to take a nap back at work. Left the office again at about 12:30 am and just got home at 2:33 am. A suggestion for the future - Contraflow
Jon
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:28 am HST]
Left work at 4:15 p/u husband and daughter got stuck on Nimitz. Radio announcer advised to stay in town for a while. Went to dinner at Ala Moana, left that area at 9:30, thru King St. then on to Nimitz--got home at 2a.m.!!!!! Poor, poor traffic coordination. HPD not used effectively, lights useless. What is going on?? What will happen to us if something horrific happens??? Obviously, I won't be able to leave my house at 5:30 am to go to work because I just got home!!! We deserve more answers that what we have been getting. The radio was useless after Jason Y. left. Re-evaluation with community input is demanded!
Betty Fernandez
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:27 am HST]
Finished work at 8p and decided to wait out the traffic for almost 6 hours. Left the airport @145a, back tracked from Eliott St. to Puuloa to H1. A mere 15 min. drive to Pearl City.
Drew
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:17 am HST]
Believe it or not I just got home @ 2:00 a.m. and left Alapai @ 6:20 p.m. Why didn't The Bus Company made accomodations with the state to utilize the curb or maybe just one lane on the freeway. The Bus should have been considerate the fact that majority of the passengers have families waiting for them. Guess this is something that the state and The Bus should look into in the future.
Ann
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:10 am HST]
Lft Ala Mo Ctr 7PM Arrived home nr Leilehua High @ 1:15 AM via Ala Moana Blvd, H-1, Aiea off. When it takes longer than a flight to LAX, that's ridiculous. After Jason Y was pau, there were few updates by radio other than "don't drive if you have to. Who can afford a hotel? What about kids? What about more HPD to prevent shoulder hoppers. What about turning the Aiea on-ramp to a off-ramp? What about letting non-essential gov workers who live Ewa of honolulu off as soon as decision to close freeway (to spread rush hour) Or to allow admininistrative tardiness tommorrow (To spread AM rush-hour) With coning or flares could the 13 A exit be made 2 lanes? Since green lights were extended on Kam, what about Moanalua Road? Needs critical review, options explored fr rsp in case catstr nxt tm.
Robert
Wahiawa

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:09 am HST]
5 hours in a car
bobby
aiea

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 2:08 am HST]
Co-workers & I decided to go to dinner in Chinatown to "beat the rush". I left Chinatown around 9pm, took Nimitz to H1 to Kam and got home at 2am.
Nicole
Waikele

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:51 am HST]
I got out of class at UH at 6:30....waited 2 hours for the bus...finally got on the bus, which got into an accident on H1....transferred to another bus in the middle of the freeway...got to Waipahu at 1:30...wife picked me up and drove to Kapolei...got home at 1:50!
Scott
Kapolei

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:46 am HST]
It took my father 7 hours to get from Chinatown to the stop in front of Daiei in Waipahu and I still had to pick him up from the park and ride to get home! I was worried sick. It was 1 AM when he finally was able to call me. I am getting him a cell phone!
May
Kunia

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:41 am HST]
Leaving ward center at 5:30 exact I remember having my bus transfer end at that time and the bus came right on time too. So I thought I was going home early! NOOO...I was on the bus for about 5 hours..I got home at 1:05am. I live in pearl city. Crazy huh?!
Krystal
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:36 am HST]
I left work (Ward Ave) at 8:30 pm got home at 1:00 am. Took Ala Moana, Nimitz, Kam. Lights should have been better synchronized on Kam Hwy by Pearl Harbor. Once at Pearl Ridge the lights were green and traffic moved at brisk 35 mph.
Maukadaddy
Mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:32 am HST]
It took me 6 hours to get from Kalihi to Mililani. I hope the state makes the military pay for this mess. I noticed numerous cars stalled on the side of the road. what a nightmare.
s. oriso
mililani

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:23 am HST]
It took me 5 hours from Ala Moana Shopping Center to Pearl City. I left at 7:55 p.m. and arrived home at 12:50 a.m. I saw dozens of drivers pulling to the side of the road either to take a nap or to let their cars cool off.
Kathy M.
Pearl City

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:17 am HST]
I caught the Ewa Express bus 101 on Alapai St. at 4:40 pm and didn't get off the bus until 11:55 pm. That's over seven hours. We had a great bus driver, Ron, who kept us informed and entertained. The other riders seemed to be pretty easy going about it all and we had some good laughs along the way. Thanks, Ron, for bringing us home.
Cynde Fernandes
Ewa Beach

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:14 am HST]
Took me 3hrs to get home from school. I left Heald College at 10:00pm took nimitz hwy to stop by 7-11 (big mistake hehe) got home at 1:05am
Ju
Moanolua Hillside

[Posted on September 6, 2006 at 1:09 am HST]
Took 4 hrs to get home from Ala Moana, excluding a 3 hr break. Left work at 4pm, took a break from 5-8, resumed travel at 8pm reached home at 12am. Went around the island to North Shore after sitting around in traffic on the H-1.
Joey Caballes
Waipahu