Why are there interstates in Hawaii?

Question

I just don't understand.

Answer 1

The answer is on the Federal Highway Administration website. Those highways are built to the same federal standards as interstate highways on the mainland, so they are also considered to be interstate highways.

Also, there is no rule that requires them to connect to other states despite the name "interstate". In fact, many interstate freeways on the mainland are only in one state. I-515 in Las Vegas and I-280 in Toledo are only two examples.

The FHA article notes:

"Although Hawaii's Interstate highways are not connected to those in the continental United States, they are built to Interstate standards. The fact that they carry an "H" number, rather than an "I" number differentiates them from the connected system of Interstate routes on the continental United States."

Also:

"Moreover, the Interstate System is not limited to routes passing through two or more States. Many Interstates, such as circumferentials/beltways and spurs, are confined to one State."

You can read the entire article at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/h...

Answer 2

Any highway built under the auspices of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 and funded by the federal governent is called an interstate highway, even if it doesn't cross state lines. In fact, there are many local routes that lie entirely within a single state funded by the Act.

Hawaii has three interstates - H1, H2, and H3 - which connect important military facilities on the island of Oahu.