Beginning 1/1/2027, requires each county to implement fare-free access to its public transportation systems. Establishes the Fare-Free Public Transportation Tax and Dividend Special Fund. Increases the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax on petroleum products to fund fare-free public transportation. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes within the Department of Transportation a fare-free youth transit program, to be coordinated with the counties. Establishes a fare-free youth transit program special fund. Requires biannual evaluations of the new program and special fund. Allocates moneys from the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to the fare-free youth transit program special fund. Appropriates moneys into and out of the fare-free youth transit program special fund. Requires reports to the Legislature.
Beginning 1/1/2027, requires each county to implement fare-free access to its public transportation systems. Establishes the Fare-Free Public Transportation Tax and Dividend Special Fund. Increases the Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax on petroleum products to fund fare-free public transportation.
SB 2994 establishes a two-year pilot program providing free public transit rides for children (Keiki) on Oahu and Kauai. The bill appropriates state funds to cover the cost of these free rides during the pilot period. It directly affects children using public transit on those islands, removing fare costs for eligible riders. The key mechanism is the temporary, funded program replacing standard fare requirements for children during the two-year trial. This is a concrete policy change focused on expanding access to transit for young residents.
Establishes a one-year School Bus Driver Certification Subsidy Pilot Program within the Department of Education for the 20252026 school year. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates fund.
Requires the development of transit-supportive densities to be allowed in any county-designated transit-oriented development area. Prohibits the counties from enacting an ordinance, rule, regulation, development standard, zoning provision, or other land use control that restricts the development of transit-supportive densities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Authorizes the Department of Education to use alternative vehicles for student transportation under certain conditions. Allows the Department of Education to institute a staggered school hours program in public schools. Appropriates funds for the purchase of alternative vehicles and individuals to obtain CDL licensure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
HB 2373 establishes a two-year pilot program providing free public transit rides ("Keiki Fare-Free") for children (defined as under 18) on Oahu and Kauai. The bill directly affects young riders using public transit on those islands, eliminating fare costs for this group during the pilot period. It includes specific funding appropriations to cover the cost of the free rides, ensuring the program is financially supported. The legislation focuses on making transit more accessible for families and children in these specific locations, with no broader statewide implementation planned.
Amends sections 286-102 and 286-181, HRS, to allow exemptions to include use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, which may not meet school bus regulations for school bus services, but which shall otherwise meet vehicle requirements and qualifications set forth in chapter 19-143, Hawaii Administrative Rules, to the extent required by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Education, when adult staff chaperone escorts of students are provided while students are being transported between designated locations off-campus and designated locations on-campus.
SB 1199 would allow school districts and transportation providers to use motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation, instead of only standard school buses, if specific safety and operational conditions are met. This bill directly affects public schools, school transportation contractors, and state education agencies responsible for approving vehicle use. Key provisions require these alternative vehicles to comply with state safety standards and operational guidelines before being used for student transport. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.
