2015-01-15 Cost of Government Commission Minutes

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Mr. Mitchell said this came out specifically from The Kohala Center report and was mentioned in the report a couple of times. Ms. Kai was discussing how she’s looking at and trying to get rid of redundancies and implementing more bus routes across the island. Ms. Kierkiewicz asked if the Commission wants to say anything about increasing service in certain areas. Mr. Mitchell replied yes. Ms. Kierkiewicz said in her meeting with Ms. Kai, Mass Transit is taking a look at the current system and figuring out how to add routes to the Puna area since it is a growing community. They also talked about people being able to ride the bus to the airport and have to leave their cars there. Discussion held and recommendation amended to read as follows: Improve efficiencies in the Hele On Bus system by identifying redundancies or unnecessary overlap in the current routing and scheduling system, and add service in underserved communities. For example, Mountain View, Pāhoa and Pāhala are served by one bus route; the very popular Mauna Kea State Park and the airports are without service. Motion and Vote : Mr. Matsuda moved to approve the recommendation as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Perry and all Commissioners present voted aye. H. Recommend collaboration with Maui transit officials and look into incorporating some of their innovations that offer the best path forward for Hawai‘i County mass transit by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Google Transit to enhance the quality of mass transit. Mr. Mitchell said this came through The Kohala Center report in regards to computer tracking of County devices. The Maui News was very specific on how the Maui Mass Transit system has been upgraded; they use computer based systems that are in place. He said The Kohala Center’s report felt that with a small amount of time, energy and effort, the Hawai‘i County’s transit system would be able to borrow from what Maui is trying. Maui uses a larger system and has a little more money in ridership which allows them to be able to try these things. What the County can do is look at it and borrow what would be most effective for our riders. Ms. Garson suggested taking the idea of the GIS and as an example use what Maui implemented. Mr. Mitchell agreed. Ms. Garson is concerned about collaboration with Maui Transit officials. Ms. Kierkiewicz said another good example would be Oahu’s “Da Bus” app. Ms. Kai is working with a high school sophomore who developed an app that tracks buses. Mr. Mitchell commented it seems these things are in place, the County has to find ways to implement in a cost effective way. Discussion held and recommendation amended to read as follows: 11