March 2001

Today, we are fortunate for the wealth of technology available. Creative minds can build creative projects. But assembling the right people together has always been the first challenge. Together, one plus one does not equal two but a successful multiple effect. We are grateful for our partners, the Public Transit Division and the University of Hawaii.

The Traffic Control Center (TCC) controls more than 350 traffic signals within the central business district of Honolulu. To advance operations, traffic cameras were first installed in 1994. During 2001, the number of cameras will increase from 88 to 135 cameras providing video coverage on Oahu from Hawaii Kai to Ewa. Traffic cameras are valuable tools providing factual information for traffic decisions. This is particularly true for traffic control responses in reaction to incidents, special events, and roadway construction. Signal adjustments are an effective counter measure with the use of traffic cameras. But another resource for the traffic cameras is traveler information. Take a look at trafficam.hawaii.edu. In partnership with the University of Hawaii, the website presents current traffic conditions in Honolulu. All local television stations are connected to the TCC and feature sequential traffic clips from the TCC during their morning programs. Olelo, a public access station, plays continuous real-time traffic videos transmitted from the TCC during the morning and afternoon peak hours. This private and public television arrangement has been mutually beneficial to the media and the TCC.

TCC efforts have focused on Traffic Signals, Traveler Information, Incident Management, and Freeway Management – components of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The next direction will be ITS Transit Management. There are exciting opportunities for pioneering developments and leadership roles in ITS Transit Management by intuitively applying the experience and knowledge gained while developing the other components of ITS. The lights have turned green for transit.

"Where’s My CityExpress!" web page and local bus site displays are the TCC’s first initiatives towards promoting ITS in transit i

CityExpress! Frequent Arrivals, Fewer Stops, Simply Faster, and Now, Predictable.

The Traffic Control Center

Don Hamada                       John Jardiolin                  Arnold Fukutomi 

                       Pierson Koike               Ty Fukumitsu                 Warren Yamamoto

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A Message from the Mayor (mpg)
(excerpt from the Year 2000 State of the City Address)