What type of economic good are Hawaii's roads at rush hour?

Hawaii's roads at rush hour are best classified as a common good. Common goods are characterized by being non-excludable and rivalrous. This means that while the roads are available for use by everyone (non-excludability), the congestion during peak times leads to a situation where one person’s use of the road can diminish the availability or quality of that road for others (rivalry).

During rush hour, the limited capacity of the roads makes it more challenging for all users to travel efficiently. As more vehicles enter the roads, traffic congestion increases, leading to longer travel times. This shared use of a resource can result in overuse, highlighting the common characteristics of a common good.

In contrast, public goods are typically non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning that they can be used by anyone without preventing others from using them. Private goods are both excludable and rivalrous, such as personal property that one individual owns. Club goods are excludable but non-rivalrous, often associated with membership services that provide benefits, such as private parks or subscription services where additional users do not significantly impact overall enjoyment.

Understanding this classification allows for better comprehension of resource management and policy decisions regarding infrastructure in crowded areas like