Bill > HB2138

This bill establishes a Hilo-Kona transportation pilot program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to address the challenges of traveling between east and west Hawaii island, specifically Hilo and Kona, which are important for jobs, school, healthcare, business, and tourism. The program will study, plan, evaluate, implement, and test various transportation options, such as direct routes, express services, public-private partnerships, shuttle systems, micro transit (small, on-demand transit), and improvements to multimodal corridors (routes that can be used by different types of transportation). DBEDT is authorized to work with government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders, and must report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed new laws, to the legislature by early 2028. This pilot program will be in effect from July 1, 3000, until June 30, 2028.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2138&year=2026