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 House Resolution requests the County of Hawaiʻi to expand its Hele-On Shared Ride Program to cover the entire island, including currently underserved rural areas like West Hawaiʻi, North Kohala, South Kohala, Kaʻū, and Puna. The bill asks the county to prioritize accessibility for people with disabilities and those who rely on mobility devices, while encouraging partnerships with local transportation providers to increase service availability. It also directs the county to consider phased implementation or pilot programs to manage costs and ensure the expansion can be funded effectively. This measure aims to improve transportation access for residents who cannot drive, particularly for medical appointments and essential services, without mandating immediate funding changes.