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HR 146

REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI TO EXPAND THE HELE-ON SHARED RIDE PROGRAM TO SERVE THE ENTIRE ISLAND OF HAWAIʻI, INCLUDING RURAL AND UNDERSERVED AREAS SUCH AS WEST HAWAIʻI, NORTH KOHALA, SOUTH KOHALA, KAʻŪ, AND PUNA.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 11 co-sponsors

House resolution requests Hawaiʻi County to expand Hele-On shared ride transit to rural underserved areas including West Hawaiʻi, North Kohala, South Kohala, Kaʻū, and Puna.

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Bill Summary · HR 146

Legislative bill overview

HR 146 is a House resolution requesting that Hawaiʻi County expand its Hele-On shared ride transit program to underserved and rural areas across the entire island of Hawaiʻi, specifically targeting West Hawaiʻi, North Kohala, South Kohala, Kaʻū, and Puna. The resolution does not mandate expansion but formally urges the county government to undertake this service expansion.

Why is this important

Rural and underserved communities on Hawaiʻi Island currently lack adequate public transportation options, limiting access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services. Expanding Hele-On could improve quality of life and economic opportunity for residents in these isolated areas while reducing reliance on personal vehicles in regions where driving conditions are challenging.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and costs: The resolution does not address how expansion would be funded or what budgetary commitments would be required from the county, raising questions about fiscal feasibility
  • Service viability: Rural areas with low population density may have insufficient ridership to sustain profitable routes, potentially requiring ongoing subsidies
  • Implementation timeline: No specific benchmarks or deadlines are established, allowing the county to indefinitely delay action without formal accountability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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