Aloha State News

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and Young Brothers (YB) are launching a pilot project aimed at reducing congestion around Honolulu Harbor. Starting March 17, 2025, YB will operate a mobile container at the HDOT weigh station on Sand Island. This setup will be available on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., providing pre-checks for trucks heading to the YB facility at Piers 39-40.

"Nimitz Highway is among the top four locations for truck volume in the state with between 4,500 to 5,000 trucks driving this corridor daily," stated Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. "Our goal in partnering with YB for this pilot is to improve the flow of goods, safety, and traffic conditions for all who travel through this key corridor."

The initiative aims to enhance safety and reduce congestion on Nimitz Highway as it nears Waiakamilo Street. HDOT and YB have been addressing community concerns about truck backlogs in the right lane on eastbound Nimitz Highway entering YB’s Nimitz Gate. Previous measures included communication with motor carriers and enforcement against parking on Nimitz Highway before gate opening.

Chris Martin, vice president of operations for Young Brothers, commented: "Minimizing delays and improving access to our facilities will help create a more efficient and reliable experience for our trucking partners and customers. Through this effort with HDOT, we’re streamlining operations to support a smoother flow of cargo, ultimately benefiting businesses and communities across Hawai‘i."

To aid this pilot program, parking along the makai curb of Auiki Street between Kalihi Street and Libby Street will be restricted by the City and County of Honolulu from Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The effectiveness of this pilot in improving traffic flow and reducing congestion will be assessed by HDOT and YB over time. Notifications have been sent out to inform YB customers about changes affecting access to their facilities.