Now & Again

With 50 years behind it, Hawaii Business looks back and looks ahead

1966 Honk if you’re unhappy Forty years ago Hawaii residents faced the same transportation problems we do today—traffic jams, constant construction on major city roads and highways, a growing population, as well as a growing tourist industry, which was sending thousands of visitors on road trips through the city and around the Islands. As reported by Hawaii Business in 1966, there were 3,300 miles of road in the state for 333,000 registered cars. At peak hours, there were an estimated 12,000 vehicles per hour jammed onto Honolulu’s busy streets.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Archival photo shows the construction of the Honouliuli Bridge on the western part of H-1	TAKING SHAPE: Hawaii Business tracks the progression of the Kapiolani Interchange in 1966.

Since then, the numbers of roads and registered vehicles have increased. In 2000, there were 460,000 registered cars and 4,281 miles of public roads, according to the Department of Transportation. In 34 years, 981 miles of road have been built, including the H-3, one of the most complex public works projects in the history of our state. Taking more than 30 years to complete, the 16.1-mile highway connects Leeward and Windward Oahu through the Trans-Koolau tunnels.

Today, just as we did four decades ago, we find ourselves stuck in our vehicles during traffic while city planners continue to look for alternatives. To help alleviate some of the congestion, the city has again proposed to implement a rail system, just as officials did in 1966.

1966 The videotape recorder represented the cutting edge of modern technology. Advertised as a great tool for businesses, the device that recorded programs off a TV set you back a whoppin’ $3,100. Today, videotape recorders, which are fast becoming obsolete, can be purchased for as little as $40.

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