Transportation

We've heard about airline reliability issues for residents of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi — and the concerns that has caused for access to health care on these rural islands. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports on a state pilot program that seeks to address these issues.

The Honolulu Emergency Services Department will use an outfitted city bus to provide services to homeless individuals.

The Kauaʻi County Council has introduced a bill to tap into the State Highway Enforcement Program Surcharge Fund, which was established in 2019.

Electric vehicles have grown in popularity in Hawaiʻi. That’s true for EVs that run completely on batteries, as well as hybrid models. But for a couple of the biggest automakers in Asia, those hybrid models are a growing focus. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Mokulele Airlines temporarily grounded most of its fleet over the weekend, stranding dozens of passengers. For Moloka’i residents, Mokulele is a lifeline and the only means of commercial transportation to neighbor islands. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports on what led to the cancellations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration is providing a nearly $50 million grant to rehabilitate the Kona International Airport runway. The funding comes after the airport had to close various times this year due to runway issues.

The Hawai‘i Department of Education said it has restored 34 bus routes that were initially cut heading into the first week of school. Officials say that 70 bus drivers are still needed to fill the gap statewide.

A bill introduced at the Honolulu City Council would further reduce the speed limit on roads next to schools to 20 mph. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

Global warming is putting Hawaiʻi County at greater risk of severe weather events, biodiversity loss and coastal erosion. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports on what the island’s new general plan draft says about addressing climate change.

The announcement came after the state lost nearly 200 school bus drivers last school year. At least 87 additional drivers are needed to cover all the routes, the DOE said in a statement Thursday.