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.

This bill requests the County of Hawaiʻi to expand the Hele-On Shared Ride Program from its current service in east Hawaiʻi to cover the entire island, including rural areas like West Hawaiʻi, North Kohala, South Kohala, Kaʻū, and Puna. The program provides subsidized, on-demand transportation for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions who need accessible vehicles that accommodate mobility devices. The resolution asks the county to partner with local transportation providers to increase service availability in underserved areas while prioritizing accessibility and compliance with disability laws. It also encourages the county to consider phased implementation or pilot programs to manage costs and ensure sustainable expansion of the service.