Md-11 captain reported a TCAS TA during climbout.

Narrative:

We were on vectors off the Molokai4 departure and climbing through about 7;000 ft MSL and about 4;000 FPM climb rate; cleared to 16;000 ft; when we received a TCAS yellow alert about 11 O'clock and 5 miles. We immediately saw the aircraft and it seemed to be descending and coming at us; but still about 2;000 ft above us. The pilot flying; lowered the nose and reduced our climb rate to approximately 1;000 FPM. It looked like it would pass to our left side; so we kept our eyes on it and it eventually passed about 1;500 ft above us and about a mile and a half to our left. I asked hcf what happened and why it was so close especially considering that we were cleared to 16;000 ft. He stated something or other to the effect that we had good separation and that maybe I didn't understand how this all works apparently based on my concern that we were cleared to 16;000 ft. I replied that maybe I don't understand; but it would have been a lot closer had we not reduced our climb speed. He made no further comment. When the other aircraft was handed off; he told the controller that he had to change his climb speed also. The controller did not acknowledge his comment or concern.as best as I can tell; both aircraft were on vectors; I know we were. I'm not sure how ATC determines how much clearance is enough on vectors; but I think this was a bit too close. It would have been real concerning had we been IMC.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD-11 Captain reported a TCAS TA during climbout.

Narrative: We were on vectors off the Molokai4 departure and climbing through about 7;000 ft MSL and about 4;000 FPM climb rate; cleared to 16;000 ft; when we received a TCAS yellow alert about 11 O'clock and 5 miles. We immediately saw the aircraft and it seemed to be descending and coming at us; but still about 2;000 ft above us. The pilot flying; lowered the nose and reduced our climb rate to approximately 1;000 FPM. It looked like it would pass to our left side; so we kept our eyes on it and it eventually passed about 1;500 ft above us and about a mile and a half to our left. I asked HCF what happened and why it was so close especially considering that we were cleared to 16;000 ft. He stated something or other to the effect that we had good separation and that maybe I didn't understand how this all works apparently based on my concern that we were cleared to 16;000 ft. I replied that maybe I don't understand; but it would have been a lot closer had we not reduced our climb speed. He made no further comment. When the other aircraft was handed off; he told the controller that he had to change his climb speed also. The controller did not acknowledge his comment or concern.As best as I can tell; both aircraft were on vectors; I know we were. I'm not sure how ATC determines how much clearance is enough on vectors; but I think this was a bit too close. It would have been real concerning had we been IMC.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1523436
Time
Date	201803
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	HNL.Airport
State Reference	HI
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Night
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	MD-11
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Climb
Route In Use	Vectors SID MOLOKAI FOUR
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Not Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Conflict Airborne Conflict Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy