#transportation

US Rep. Ed Case opposed two federal spending bills approved last week by the House Appropriations Committee, saying the measures cut too deeply into affordable housing and environmental programs—even as he successfully secured millions for Hawaiʻi-specific priorities embedded in both measures.

Measures would require helmets for underage riders and bar “exhibition riding” like wheelies and stunts.

The Hawai’i Senate Majority today announced its 2026 legislative priorities in advance of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Opening Day on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

The Waihe’e Villager and Kula Islander each see fewer than five riders per hour. Maui County hopes switching these routes to microtransit, which is like a hybrid between Uber and a public bus, will increase efficiency and cut wait times.

The plan provides strategies for the transportation sector to achieve the state climate targets set in law – a 50% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, net negative transportation emissions by 2045, and ultimately zero transportation emissions.

Maui County’s Community Action Agency, Maui Economic Opportunity, was praised as a “second government” for its far-reaching work assisting county residents in need by Maui County Council members, who declared May as Community Action Month.

Flight disruptions have worsened following a series of events that include the groundings of Mokulele’s larger-capacity Saab last month and a portion of its fleet over the weekend. The airline also determined earlier this year that the aircraft it brought in to provide backup service are not a good fit for Hawai’i.

“So, there’s a lot of options on the table if the county owns it. Private companies don’t get to apply for those funds,” Council Member Gabe Johnson said of the benefits of a Maui County-owned ferry system.

The Central Maui Transit Hub is expected to open this month, according to Department of Transportation Director Marc Takamori. The opening will end Maui Bus traffic within the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

The Hawaiʻi State Climate Commission has released three new reports emphasizing clean transportation investments to address climate change.

A community open house will be held Tuesday, June 20, on the draft plan for the County of Maui’s I Mua Central Maui transportation study, a 20-year plan that will identify transportation projects and programs in Central Maui.

Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more.

A council committee unanimously voted to advance Mayor Victorino’s Director nominees for the Parks and Transportation Departments last night.

Speaker Saiki spoke of the increasingly difficult time residents have in making ends meet and the divide between those with and without resources.

The public is invited to learn more about the Kīhei transportation planning project and offer input during the town’s Fourth Friday event, taking place tonight, Friday, June 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Azeka Shopping Center.

Construction of the $23 million Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. Transportation Center in Pu’unene is set to begin June 26.

Beginning on April 30, Willie Nelson’s birthday, the fuel at Pacific Biodiesel’s retail pump on Maui is being sold as the brand named BioWillie Biodiesel.

With the installation of 200 new electric vehicle charging stations in 80 locations across state, Hawaii becomes the nation’s leader.

The State of Hawaii has added another $350,000 to the electric vehicle (EV) Ready Rebate Program and pushed the deadline for participation back to November.

Better Place today announced that it is activating the largest electric car charging network in Hawaii, offering drivers free charging through the end of 2012.