Letter: AI Could Improve Hawaii's Traffic Signals

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A Honolulu resident wrote a letter to the editor suggesting that AI-assisted traffic signaling could improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and lower emissions in the city. The writer described waiting almost two minutes to make a left turn at a traffic light late at night when there was very little traffic, arguing that AI could have reduced the wait time to less than 30 seconds.

Why it matters

Traffic congestion and inefficient traffic signals are major issues in Honolulu, leading to frustration for drivers, increased emissions, and safety concerns. Implementing AI-assisted traffic signaling could provide a technological solution to improve traffic flow and reduce the environmental impact of congestion.

The details

The letter writer, Michael Bornemann, described a personal experience waiting at a traffic light on Kalanianaole Highway to turn left onto Keahole Street. Despite the late hour and minimal traffic, Bornemann waited almost two minutes for the light to change. He believes AI-assisted traffic signaling could have reduced his wait time to less than 30 seconds and could be applied to other congested areas in Honolulu to improve overall traffic flow, reduce emissions, and enhance safety.

• The letter was published on April 8, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Honolulu Department of Transportation Services could explore the potential of implementing AI-assisted traffic signaling systems to address the city's ongoing traffic challenges.