ASCE 2017 Infrastructure Report Card

From ASCE, June, 2017

Our nation is at a crossroads. Deteriorating infrastructure is impeding our ability to compete in the thriving global economy, and improvements are necessary to ensure our country is built for the future. While we have made some progress, reversing the trajectory after decades of underinvestment in our infrastructure requires transformative action from Congress, states, infrastructure owners, and the American people.

That’s why, every four years, America’s civil engineers provide a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s 16 major infrastructure categories in ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card. Using a simple A to F school report card format, the Report Card examines current infrastructure conditions and needs, assigning grades and making recommendations to raise them.

Hawaii Infrastructure Overview

While the nation’s infrastructure earned a “D+” in the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, Hawaii faces infrastructure challenges of its own. For example, driving on roads in need of repair in Hawaii costs each driver $708 per year, and 5.7% of bridges are rated structurally deficient. Drinking water needs in Hawaii are an estimated $1.05 billion, and wastewater needs total $2.16 billion. 123 dams are considered to be high-hazard potential. The state’s schools have an estimated capital expenditure gap of $88 million. This deteriorating infrastructure impedes Hawaii’s ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Success in a 21st century economy requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks of an aging infrastructure system, an option that the country, Hawaii, and families can no longer afford.

PDF: Key Facts About Hawaii’s Infrastructure

HNN: Report: 64 of Hawaii's bridges 'structurally deficient'