Introduction
This page presents traffic survey (count) data that we have been able to obtain to date. Traffic count data are published by the Hawaii State Department of Transportation (DOT) Highway Planning Branch. Although five Hawaii County traffic count stations are surveyed continuously, the stations in South Kohala are "spot" count stations, which are typically surveyed for a 24-hour period, usually once every two years. One-day counts every two years do not provide a very solid basis for decision making, but it is all we have at this point.
Wile some of the sections below present total 24-hour, two-way counts, many focus on data that are relevant to the morning commute and the evening commute. Although counts are made every 15 minutes, in most cases data are summed to reflect the number of vehicles counted during the period ending on the indicated hour.
Counts reflect the actual number of vehicles that passed over the counter during the time period surveyed. They do not reflect the number of vehicles whose drivers wished they could pass over the counter or the capacity of the roadway and/or traffic signals to accommodate traffic.
Remember that roadway designs are not typically based on traffic counts. Rather, the traffic counts are used to calibrate a computer model that is used to project the traffic volumes that are expected to occur at some future year. We have not yet obtained the traffic volume projections for our area.
While the data are limited, available traffic counts appear to suggest two things: (1) that multiple accesses to the proposed bypass highways may be needed to effectively distribute "through" traffic that "disappears" into Waimea (which is a surprisingly large percentage of present-day rush hour traffic) and (2) that without improved local circulation (that is, without the construction of local County connector roads, also know as "mini-bypass roads"), the Lindsey Road intersection will probably continue to be a dangerous choke point, even with the eventual construction of the proposed bypass highways by the State.
Overall Traffic Activity
24-Hour Two-Way Traffic Counts by Year
|
Daily Traffic Volumesa |
| Year |
Mamalahoa Hwy
North of Saddle Rd |
Kawaihae Rd
West of Waiaka |
Kawaihae Rd
East of Waiaka |
Kawaihae Rd
West of Lindsey Rd |
Mamalahoa Hwy
East of Lindsey Rd |
Mamalahoa Hwy
at Puu Nani Dr |
Mamalahoa Hwy
West of Mud Ln |
| 1996 |
4,644 |
6,728 |
9,592 |
14,282 |
20,600 |
11,577 |
- |
| 1998 |
4,611 |
6,923 |
11,443 |
- |
- |
10,879 |
10,138 |
| 2000 |
5,219 |
7,958 |
11,623 |
17,063 |
22,973 |
12,632 |
9,886 |
| 2002 |
5,969 |
8,018 |
11,934 |
19,238 |
19,806 |
15,328 |
10,526 |
| 2004 |
7,140 |
8,836 |
13,426 |
20,505 |
20,929b |
15,071 |
11,579 |
a Counted in May (when schools were in session), except as noted
b Counted in June, after the school session ended
These data reflect relatively lower (but increasing) traffic activity outside of Waimea Town and higher traffic activity downtown. In 2004, the traffic volume on Mamalahoa Hwy downtown in front of the Parker Ranch Shopping Center was 180 percent of the traffic volume on Mamalahoa Hwy at Mud Lane (even though the downtown traffic counts were performed after school was out in 2004). The data make it clear that Waimea Town needs better local circulation and road inter-connectivity. The data also show that multiple connections to the Waimea Bypass and Kawaihae Rd Bypass would maximize their value to the town, because in town traffic volumes were still fairly heavy as far west as Waiaka Bridge and as far east as Puu Nani Dr even under 2004 conditions.
Eastward Evening Commute by Year
|
Hourly Traffic Volumesa |
Year/
pm hour |
Mamalahoa Hwy
North of Saddle Rd |
Kawaihae Rd
West of Waiaka |
Kawaihae Rd
East of Waiaka |
Kawaihae Rd
West of Lindsey Rd |
Mamalahoa Hwy
East of Lindsey Rd |
Mamalahoa Hwy
at Puu Nani Dr |
Mamalahoa Hwy
West of Mud Ln |
| 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3-4 |
230 |
379 |
539 |
955 |
846 |
691 |
551 |
| 4-5 |
266 |
435 |
531 |
850 |
826 |
830 |
618 |
| 5-6 |
206 |
378 |
432 |
643 |
599 |
699 |
478 |
| 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3-4 |
291 |
452 |
613 |
1,019 |
825b |
919 |
549 |
| 4-5 |
371 |
490 |
688 |
1,048 |
841b |
694 |
631 |
| 5-6 |
220 |
386 |
531 |
761 |
852b |
432 |
614 |
a Counted in May (when schools were in session), except as noted
b Counted in June, after the school session ended
The above table presents the data from the point of view of a person traveling generally eastward during the afternoon commute. Only the counts of traffic moving eastward are presented and the traffic flow is generally from left to right in the table. During the peak hours in 2002 and 2004, traffic volumes were relatively high from Waiaka Bridge through the Lindsey Rd intersection to Puu Nani Dr, when compared to traffic volumes entering Waimea Town from the south and west. It is also clear from these data that not all "eastbound" traffic entering town ends up at Mud Lane. Rather, a significant amount of internal circulation occurs within town.
The only data for persons commuting southward on Kamamalu Rd. (e.g., into Kuhio Village) were collected in 2002. The following hourly counts were reported: 3-4 pm - 136, 4-5 pm - 149, and 5-6 pm - 98.
Westward Morning Commute by Year
|
Hourly Traffic Volumesa |
Year/
am hour |
Mamalahoa Hwy
North of Saddle Rd |
Kawaihae Rd
West of Waiaka |
Kawaihae Rd
East of Waiaka |
Kawaihae Rd
West of Lindsey Rd |
Mamalahoa Hwy
East of Lindsey Rd |
Mamalahoa Hwy
at DHHL Office |
Mamalahoa Hwy
West of Mud Ln |
| 2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6-7 |
226 |
187 |
431 |
535 |
760 |
762 |
522 |
| 7-8 |
231 |
267 |
550 |
743 |
977 |
969 |
560 |
| 8-9 |
218 |
350 |
390 |
601 |
647 |
566 |
431 |
| 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6-7 |
272 |
475 |
565 |
656 |
911b |
749 |
635 |
| 7-8 |
329 |
425 |
497 |
691 |
793b |
884 |
557 |
| 8-9 |
271 |
301 |
411 |
570 |
795b |
537 |
379 |
a Counted in May (when schools were in session), except as noted
b Counted in June, after the school session ended
The above table presents the data from the point of view of a person traveling generally westward during the morning commute. Only the counts of traffic moving westward are presented and the traffic flow is generally from right to left in the table. As is the case in other communities, evening peak traffic volumes are generally lower than afternoon peak traffic volumes. During the peak hours in 2002 and 2004, traffic volumes were relatively high from the DHHL Office through the Lindsey Rd intersection to Waiaka Bridge, when compared to traffic volumes entering Waimea Town from the east. It is also clear from these data that not all "westbound" traffic entering town ends up at Waiaka. A significant amount of it (and/or locally-generated traffic) ends up at the Saddle Rd intersection going south.
The only data for persons commuting northward on Kamamalu Rd. (e.g., out of Kuhio Village) were collected in 2002. The following hourly counts were reported: 6-7 am - 85, 7-8 am - 141, and 8-9 am - 109.
Morning Commute Through Waimea
Peak hourly vehicle counts typically occur during the morning commute through Waimea. Each of the following figures sheds some light on the congestion we are currently experiencing.
2000 Morning Commute
In the year 2000, legs the Mamalahoa Hwy. stations were counted for a 24-hour interval during the following periods: Mud Lane--April 26-27, DHHL--June 20-21, Lindsey Rd.--May 2-3, and Saddle Rd.--May 8-10. It is not clear which local schools were in session during each of the surveys, a factor that is very likely to affect counts at the Lindsey Rd. intersection.
Note that in May 2000, the number of vehicles counted going west on Mamalahoa Hwy. just west of Mud Lane was a fairly low percentage of the vehicles counted at the same time entering the signalled Lindsey Road intersection.
2002 Morning Commute
In the year 2002, legs of the Mamalahoa Hwy. stations were counted for a 24-hour period during the following periods: Mud Lane--May 7-14, DHHL--May 8-9, Lindsey Rd.--May 13-16, Keamuku (not shown)--May 8-9, and Saddle Rd.--May 8-9.
The peak hour traffic volume going west on Mamalahoa Hwy. entering the signalled Lindsey Rd. intersection was lower in both 2002 and 2004 than it was in 2001. It could be just a statistical fluke (in that only one day is monitored each year) or it could be that some or all schools were no longer in session during the mid-May and/or June surveys or that congestion occurring in or after the intersection is slowing traffic down. The 2001-2002 State of Hawaii DOT Official School Calendar states that June 7 was the last day for students in 2002.
2004 Morning Commute
In the year 2004, legs of the Mamalahoa Hwy. stations were counted for a 24-hour period during the following periods: Mud Lane--May 25-26 and June 9-10, DHHL--May 25-26, Lindsey Rd.--May 25-26 and June 9-10, Keamuku--May 24-25 and Saddle Rd.--May 24-25.
Note that west-bound traffic volumes were relatively high all day in June 2004, after the morning commute begins. We suspect that most schools were no longer in session during the 2004 Lindsey Rd. survey. The 2003-2004 State of Hawaii DOE Official School Calendar states that June 8 was the last day for students in 2004. Parker School final exams were on May 20-21 in 2004.
Morning Rush
The above figure presents 15-minute west-bound Mamalahoa Hwy. traffic volumes ending at the indicated times at the signalled Lindsey Rd. intersection for the three days for which we have data. Note that the 2004 data reflect mid-June conditions.
Evening Commute Through Waimea
Each of the following figures sheds some light on the congestion we are currently experiencing.
2000 Evening Commute
In the year 2000, legs of the Kawaihae Rd. stations were counted for a 24-hour interval during the following periods: Queen K--May 8-14, Lalamilo--May 7-8, and Waiaka Bridge-May 2-3.
Note that, during the evening commute, the number of vehicles counted at the Waiaka Bridge station is a much higher percentage of the number of vehicles counted at the signalled Lindsey Rd. intersection, compared to the morning commute.
2002 Evening Commute
In the year 2002, legs of the Kawaihae Rd. stations were counted for a 24-hour interval during the following periods: Queen K--May 1-2, Lalamilo--May 2-3, and Waiaka Bridge-May 7-9.
The evening peak volume is steadily increasing over the years.
2004 Evening Commute
In the year 2004, legs of the Kawaihae Rd. stations were counted for a 24-hour interval during the following periods: Queen K--May 26-27, Lalamilo--May 26-27, and Waiaka Bridge-May 26-27.
This plot reveals that the number of vehicles counted just east of Waiaka Bridge typically is about one half to two thirds of the number of vehicles counted at the same time entering the signaled Lindsey Rd. intersection.
Evening Rush
The above figure presents 15-minute east-bound Kawaihae Rd. traffic volumes ending at the indicated times at the signalled Lindsey Rd. intersection for the three days for which we have data. Note that the 2004 data reflect late May conditions.
Traffic Counts over the Years
The State DOT has been collecting total traffic counts at a number of stations in South Kohala since 1996. Not all stations were counted every other year until recently.
Total Traffic Counts
The counts presented above were taken on Mamalahoa Hwy. or Kawaihae Rd. at the following stations: Mud Lane-just west of the entire intersection, Puu Nani Dr.-two miles east of Kamamalu Rd. intersection, Lindsey Rd.-just before signalled intersection, and Waiaka Bridge-just before the Kohala Mountain Rd. intersection.
No traffic count was made at Mud Lane in 1996 and at Lindsey Road in 1998. A general increase in total 24-hour traffic volume occurred at all the stations along Mamalahoa Hwy. and Kawaihae Rd. over the period surveyed, except at the station at the Lindsey Road intersection.
Counts of West-Moving Traffic
The pattern of 24-hour counts of west-moving traffic only at stations along Mamalahoa Hwy. and Kawaihae Rd. are similar to those of total traffic.
Counts of East-Moving Traffic
The pattern of 24-hour counts of east-moving traffic only at stations along Mamalahoa Hwy. and Kawaihae Rd. are similar to those of total traffic.
Lindsey Road Intersection 15-Minute Traffic Volumes
Another perspective on the problem can be obtained by viewing 15-minute traffic volumes at the signalled Lindsey Rd. intersection for the morning and evening peak periods.
Morning Traffic Entering Intersection in 2000
Lindsey Rd. intersection morning survey dates:
Entering from the East (from Honokaa direction)-05/03/00; 05/14/02; 06/10/04
Entering from the West (from Kawaihae)-05/03/00, 05/16/02; 05/26/04
Entering from the South (from Kona)-05/03/00; 05/14/02; 05/26/04
Entering from the Center (from Post Office)-05/03/00; 05/14/02; 05/26/04
Morning Traffic Entering Intersection in 2002
Morning Traffic Entering Intersection in 2004
Note that approximately equal numbers of vehicles entered the intersection from the east and from the west during the peak hour. If you watch the intersection during that time, you will see that this is true. Because these traffic streams enter the intersection at right angles, it is difficult to coordinate the green times of Lindsey Rd. signal with those of the Pukalani Rd. (KTA) signal.
Morning Traffic Leaving Intersection in 2000
Lindsey Rd. intersection morning survey dates:
Leaving to the East (toward Honokaa)-05/03/00; 05/14/02; 06/10/04
Leaving to the West (toward Kawaihae)-05/03/00; 05/16/02; 05/26/04
Leaving to the South (toward Kona)-05/03/00; 05/14/02; 05/26/04
Leaving to the Center (toward Post Office)-05/03/00; 05/14/02; 05/26/04
Morning Traffic Leaving Intersection in 2002
Morning Traffic Leaving Intersection in 2004
Note the balance of vehicles leaving the intersection to the east and to the west in the morning. A significant proportions also leave to the south.
Evening Traffic Entering Intersection in 2000
Lindsey Rd. intersection evening survey dates:
Entering from the East (from Honokaa direction)-05/02/00; 05/13/02; 06/09/04
Entering from the West (from Kawaihae)-05/02/00; 05/15/02; 05/25/04
Entering from the South (from Kona)-05/02/00; 05/14/02; 05/25/04
Entering from the Center (from Post Office)-05/02/00; 05/13/02; 05/25/04
Note the east-west balance in the good old days.
Evening Traffic Entering Intersection in 2002
The approximate east-west balance persisted in 2002.
Evening Traffic Entering Intersection in 2004
The east-west balance is history. Now traffic from the west dominates the intersection in the evening peak period. These are the very upset drivers who are very supportive of the Kawaihae Rd. Bypass. The reality is that the Waimea Bypass is needed, too, or the bottleneck will persist.
Evening Traffic Leaving Intersection in 2000
Lindsey Rd. intersection evening survey dates:
Leaving to the East (toward Honokaa)-05/02/00; 05/13/02; 06/09/04
Leaving to the West (toward Kawaihae)-05/02/00; 05/15/02; 05/25/04
Leaving to the South (toward Kona)-05/02/00; 05/14/02; 05/25/04
Leaving to the Center (toward Post Office)-05/02/00; 05/13/02; 05/25/04
Evening Traffic Entering Intersection in 2000
Evening Traffic Entering Intersection in 2002
Evening Traffic Entering Intersection in 2004
Note that a large proportion of the vehicles leaving the intersection go toward the west. It is likely that some drivers who live off Kawaihae Rd. commute home from Kona on Mamalahoa Hwy. to avoid the congestion.
Traffic Survey Raw Data
So far, we have obtained copies of the following reports:
If you are aware of any other data, please let us know.
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