Maui Transportation Center Gets $500K in State Funds

MEO Bus file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui Economic Opportunity is the recipient of a $500,000 funding release from the state, to be used for the construction of a transportation center.

The funds are part of a larger $3.03 million appropriation announced by Governor Neil Abercrombie today that will go to various Hawaiʻi-based non-profit organizations for capital improvement projects that benefit the community.

“We recognize that non-profit organizations are the state’s partners in providing services that are important to the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Abercrombie in a press release statement.

“Through this collaboration,” he said, “we are better able to address issues that range from pediatric health care, foster care and elderly assistance; to support for the arts and preservation of Hawaii’s most treasured landmarks.”

According to the announcement the MEO funds will be used for the construction of a centralized facility to provide a one-stop service for bus washing and vacuuming.

The agency currently provides subsidized transportation services to the elderly, low-income, individuals with disabilities, and disadvantaged youth in Maui County.

Other projects identified in the announcement for grant funding include: $1.5 million for the Friends of Shriners Hospital on Oʻahu; $435,000 for Hale ʻŌpio Kauaʻi, Inc. on Kauaʻi; $250,000 for the Friends of ʻIolani Palace on Oʻahu; $230,000 for the Waikiki Community Center on Oʻahu; and $120,000 for the Honolulu Academy of Arts on Oʻahu.