New policy report calls for major shift in Hawai‘i’s transportation spending to address unmet mobility needs, traffic congestion and emissions
HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — A new policy report released today highlights urgent challenges in Hawai‘i’s transportation system, and offers a bold vision for reshaping the state’s spending priorities to improve mobility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a more equitable transportation network.
The report, “Rethinking Roads,” analyzes the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation’s (HDOT) spending patterns between fiscal years 2019 and 2024. Key findings show that a staggering 66.3 percent of the state’s transportation budget has gone toward projects that increase vehicle capacity, such as road widening and lane construction, while only 1.5 percent has been dedicated to reducing vehicle travel.
“The state’s current investment strategy is reinforcing the very problems it aims to solve,” said Abbey Seitz, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Director of Transportation Equity. “This report calls for a fundamental shift in transportation priorities—one that reflects the diverse needs of Hawai‘i’s residents; promotes healthier, more sustainable transportation options; and helps us meet our climate goals.”
Key Findings from the Report:
Imbalance in Budget Allocation: Between FY19 and FY24, 66.3 percent of HDOT’s budget went toward projects that expanded vehicle capacity (e.g., road widening and new lanes), while just 1.5 percent was directed toward reducing vehicle travel through alternative transportation options like walking, biking and transit.
Rising Vehicle Travel: Vehicle travel is increasing in Hawaiʻi, contributing to unmet mobility needs, worsening traffic conditions, and environmental degradation.
Climate Risks: The current spending priorities are jeopardizing the state’s ability to meet its climate and energy goals, such as the mandate to decarbonize the transportation sector by 2045.
Three Key Policy Recommendations:
Shift Budget Priorities: Establish new budget priorities that focus on reducing vehicle travel and align with state climate goals.
Increase Budget Transparency: Disclose the vehicle travel impacts of proposed projects and actively prioritize projects that reduce vehicle travel and promote alternative transportation modes.
Invest in Safe Routes to School: Increase dedicated funding for the Safe Routes to School program to complete Hawai‘i’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure network, ensuring safer and more accessible routes for children and communities across the state.
The report identifies multiple benefits to reducing vehicle travel, including improving air quality, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and enhancing public safety. Furthermore, by reorienting transportation spending to address these goals, Hawai‘i can build a more equitable transportation system that benefits all residents—not just those who rely on private vehicles.
“We have an opportunity to create a transportation system that works for everyone—whether you’re a driver or pedestrian,” said Seitz. “By establishing new budget priorities, we can reduce congestion, improve our environment, and ensure safer, more sustainable travel options for all Hawai‘i residents.”
