One of most noticeable effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the dramatic reduction in traffic on Hawaiʻi’s roadways. But can this trend continue after the pandemic? Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization ( UHERO) say it can be accomplished through a variety of ways, including implementing a strategic toll fee and staggering work hours. A recent report estimated the annual cost of traffic congestion in Hawaiʻi to be $690 million, mainly paid through lost time and productivity from workers sitting in gridlock. UHERO says smarter policy could eliminate this cost and direct the savings to local workers.