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Home My WebLink About2023-03-31 Transportation Commission Agenda County of Hawai’i Transportation Commission Agenda Notice is hereby given of a meeting to be held by the Transportation Commission of the County of Hawai’i in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 91, Hawai’i Revised Statutes, Chapter 18, Divisions 2 and 3 of the Hawai’i County Code. DATE: Friday, March 31, 2023 TIME: 9:00 a.m. PLACE: County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency 2299 Ho`olaulima Road Hilo, Hawai’i 96720 This meeting is also available via Microsoft Teams at the following link: Click here to join the meeting Download Teams | Join on the web. Meeting ID:262 332 001 423, Passcode: YxXvYQ Or call in: +1 808-909-3042,Phone Conference ID:375 733 770# The purpose of the meeting is to afford all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the following matters. All person(s) wishing to testify should email your testimony to john.andoh@hawaiicounty.gov no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 27, 2023. I.Call to Order II.Roll Call III.Approval of Agenda for March 31, 2023Page 1 IV.Approval of Minutes from December 9, 2022Pages V.Public Statements on Agenda Items VI.New Business A.Review taxicab application for NEW Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity to operate in the County of Hawai’i. Page 1.Jhouy Razo on behalf of Ohana Taxi of Big Island, Kailua-Kona 2.Johanna Flarrragan on behalf of AJ Taxi, Hilo 3.Orlando Palafox on behalf of O & M Taxi and Tours, Pa’auhau 4.Paige Quintel on behalf of Odyssey Taxi, Kailua-Kona 5.Weixia Ye on behalf of Sunny Taxi & Tours, Hilo B.Hearing on revocation of the following Certificate of Public Conveniences due to the discontinuance by the carrier of the business of transporting passengers as a common carrier of passengers operating upon and using the public highways for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or more or failure to renew his/her taxicab license for the year. Page No Revocations. VII.Mass Transit Administrator’s ReportPages 1.Introduction to MTM Transit 2.Introduction to Hawai’i County Economics Opportunities Council 3.ADA Bus Stop Project 4.Hydrogen Bus Project 5.Shared Ride Program Changes 6.Overall Agency Updates VIII.Commissioner’s Reports IX.Next Meeting – TBD X.Adjournment The meeting facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication to participate in this meeting should contact the County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency at (808) 961-8555 as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, March 27, 2023. If a response is received after March 27, 2023, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. Commissioners may also be present at the meeting facility as listed above on the agenda and/or participating via interactive conference technology from other locations. The full text of the agendas is made available on the County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency website at http://www.heleonbus.org/transportation-commission to navigate to the current agenda. For copies of the current agenda or questions, please call (808) 961-8555 or email heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov. Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 2 Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes County of Hawai’i Friday, April 8, 2022 I.CALL TO ORDER Chairman O’Loughlin called meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. II ROLL CALL Chairman O’Loughlin called the roll. Present: Michael O’Loughlin, Chairman James Lee, Kristy Cruz, Neva Supe-Roque, Roselyn Molina, Matthew Terlep, Commissioners Staff: John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager Betty Alcover, Interim Commission Secretary Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel Absent: Benjamin Agdeppa A quorum was determined. III.APPROVAL OF APRIL 8, 2022 AGENDA Commissioner O’Laughlin introduced the item and Commissioner Cruzmoved that agenda be approved, seconded the motion by Commissioner Terlep, it carried unanimously, 6 ayes. Agenda approved. IV.APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 17, 2021 MINUTES Commissioner O’Laughlinintroduced the item and Commissioner Cruzmoved that the minutes be approved. Commissioner Terlep seconded, 6 ayes. Minutes approved. V.PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Chairman O’Loughlin opened the opportunity for public statements. Seeing no individuals present who wished to speak, Chairman O’Loughlin closed the public statement period. VI.NEW BUSINESS Asthere are two new commissioners, Deputy Corporation CounselKeyra Wong asked that Mr. Andoh give a little background on New Certificate and revocations. Mr. Andoh proceeded withthe following: Chapter 18 of the County Code, which was included in their packets, what the role is for the commissionersis, such asto review taxicabs applications for a new Certificate of Public Convenience. He summarized pages 7 through 37, which determinesif they are fit to become taxicabs ownersand that the commission members can grant approval for the certificates to be issued. He further discussed revocations, of which commissioners can determine to revoke their licenses due to applications not being submitted for renewal. Page 3 NEW BUSINESS A.Review taxicab application for NEW Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity to operate in the County of Hawai’i. Commissioner O’Laughlin introduced the item and Administrator Andoh discussed the following: 1.Jhomel Baduadba, JB’s Taxi applying for twocertificates.Mr. Baduadba was present and hadno statements. Motion to approve was made byCommissioner Cruz and seconded Commissioner Supe-Roque. 6 ayes to approve Certificate. 2.Rosito Pimentero isapplying for one taxi certificates. Ms. Pimentero was present and had no statements. Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Cruz and seconded Commissioner Supe-Roque. 6 ayes to approve Certificate. 3.Aneterea Pogai is applying for one certificate. Mr. Pogai was present and had no statements. Motion to approve Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Molina. 6 ayes to approve the certificate. B.Hearing on revocation of the following Certificate of Public Conveniences due to the discontinuance by the carrier of the business of transporting passengers as a common carrier of passengers operating upon and using the public highways for a period of thirty consecutive days or more or failure to renew his/her taxicab license for the year. Administrator Andoh reported no revocations. VII.DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER 18 AMENDMENTS Administrator Andoh discussed the proposed additions and deletions to what is within Chapter 18. This includes Rules of the Road when riding Hele-Onbuses. This would also include what would happen if rider violatedany of the rules; as of right now and how the police and prosecuting attorney would handle the impacts of these rules. Deputy Corporation Counsel Wong isworking on reviewing the changes and advised that the proposed changes should be brought before the Commission for consideration. Administrator Andoh agreed to do so. VIII.TRANSPORTATION FUNDING UPDATE Administrator Andoh introduced the item and theBipartisan Infrastructure Law, as enacted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, authorizes up to $108 billion for public transportation – the largest federal investment in public transportation in the nation’s history. The legislation will advance public transportation in America’s communities through four key priorities: Safety, Modernization, Climate and Equity. HDOT will issue 40% of funds to Hawaii infrastructure. Section 5311 Rural Grant Funds – The Agency will receive approximately $1.4 million dollars. Section 5339 Grant will help us with purchasing buses and obtaining a Kailua Kona baseyard. Low-No grants will help us obtain electric and hydrogen buses. Page 4 Working with HDOT to finalize grants and get them implemented for expending funds. IX.MASS TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Administrator Andoh introduced this item and also the operational contractor teams from Transdev and Roberts Hawaii to the Commission. Sean Powers of Transdev talked briefly about Transdev and Intelliride. Randy Baldemorof Roberts Hawaii talked briefly about Roberts Hawaii. He further presented the following items as explained below: Made revisions to transit services on April 3 and on April 17 to add additional trip on Route 90, create a new route between Volcano and Ocean View, address on time performance in Kailua-Kona and Hilo routes, add additional trips, convert deadheadtrips along the South Kohala coast to revenue trips between Hilton, Marriott and Kona International Airport and add Saturday service on Route 104 Continue to procure transit buses. Two IFBs and one RFP has been released or in process of being released Working on procurement of a vendor to do bus shelters and bus washing Negotiating with Sustainability Partners Working on rebranding the transit fleet New website @ www.heleonbus.org in development Training mechanics and providing tools to maintain buses Starting hydrogen operations Ensuring Roberts Hawaii is compliant with RFP 3909 Seeking consultants to assist with bus stop engineering projects and transit hub development Reviewing proposal for paratransit operations and eligibility Launched fare free Finalizing contracts with Commute with Enterprise, Lyft,and Uber and SSFM for Pahoa Transit Hub Working on changes to Chapter 18 Transitioned paratransit operations to an interim operations contractor, Transdev Studying scooters Using County employees for customer service at Mo’oheau Bus Terminal Building relationships with other transit agencies in the State Working on expansion of HIBIKE using a TAP grant Continued to work on implementing Waikoloa Breakroom for operators to use Free HIBIKE rides for Hele-On riders Continuous training of staff to understand Mass Transit Agency administration, operations, and maintenance Launching of a vanpool program Studying a fare free implementation for two years Replacement of the entire Hele-On fleet with new battery electric, hydrogen, and diesel-hybrid buses Restructure of the shared ride taxi program Planning and construction of transit hubs in Pahoa, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, and Hilo Additional maintenance staff to support maintenance efforts of a new fleet Increased marketing and community outreach about Hele-On and its services Formalization of bus stops and additional bus shelters added, Island-wide Training for Transportation Commission members about their role. Page 5 There was a brief discussion from the Commissioners on these activities. Commissioner Cruz asked about local paratransit providers on island. Administrator Andoh explained that there was no able provider on island to perform the services as quickly as Ace 1 Taxi declined to provide services beyond March 7, 2022. He stated that Transdev using local subcontractors to perform the trips that are from Hawai’i Island and also mentioned that as an FTA recipient, local preference can’t be mandated. X.COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS Chairman O’Loughlin stated he was pleased with the direction of the Mass Transit Agency and appreciative of their involvement in being able to assist. The other commissioners each echoed their comments on this matter. XI.NEXT MEETING – JULY, 2022 Administrator Andoh announced the next meeting will be in July, 2022. XII.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Cruz moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Molina. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m. 6 Ayes. Minutes prepared by: Betty Alcover, Interim Transportation Commission Secretary Approved by: John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator and General Manager Page 6 Mitchell D. Roth John C. Andoh Mayor Mass Transit Administrator County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency HILO: 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8744 Fax (808) 961-8745 KAILUA-KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg D • Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4330 www.heleonbus.org heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov Wednesday, March 29, 2023 genda Item # VI (A) A To: Hawai’i County Transportation Commission From: John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager Subject: Review taxicab application for NEW Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity to operate in the County of Hawai’i. ______________________________________________________________________________ Requested Action:Staff recommends that the Transportation Commission review and accept new taxicab applications for NEW Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity to operate in the County of Hawai’i. Background and Summary:The following applications are being presented for the Transportation Commission’s review as required in Chapter 18: 1. Jhouy Razo on behalf of Ohana Taxi of Big Island, Kailua-Kona 2. Johanna Flarrragan on behalf of AJ Taxi, Hilo 3. Orlando Palafox on behalf of O & M Taxi and Tours, Pa’auhau 4. Paige Quintel on behalf of Odyssey Taxi, Kailua-Kona 5. Weixia Ye on behalf of Sunny Taxi & Tours, Hilo Fiscal Impacts: None. Corporation Counsel Review: None. Attachments: Applications for Jhouy Razo, Johanna Flarragan, Orlando Palafox, Paige Quintel, and Weixia Ye. For information regarding this staff report, please contact John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager at (808) 961-8555 or email john.andoh@hawaiicounty.gov. Approved for Submission, John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator& General Manager Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Page 7 Mitchell D. Roth John C. Andoh Mayor Mass Transit Administrator County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency HILO: 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8744 Fax (808) 961-8745 KAILUA-KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg D • Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4330 www.heleonbus.org heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov Wednesday, March 29, 2023 genda Item # VI (B) A To: Hawai’i County Transportation Commission From: John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager Subject: Hearing on revocation of the following Certificate of Public Conveniences due to the discontinuance by the carrier of the business of transporting passengers as a common carrier of passengers operating upon and using the public highways for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or more or failure to renew his/her taxicab license for the year ______________________________________________________________________________ Requested Action: Staff recommends that the Transportation Commission review and revoke the following Certificate of Public Conveniences due to the discontinuance by the carrier of the business of transporting passengers as a common carrier of passengers operating upon and using the public highways for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days or more or failure to renew his/her taxicab license for the year. Background and Summary: There are no revocations for this meeting. Fiscal Impacts: None. Corporation Counsel Review: None. Attachments: None. For information regarding this staff report, please contact John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager at (808) 961-8555 or email john.andoh@hawaiicounty.gov. Approved for Submission, John Andoh, Mass Transit Administratorand General Manager Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Page 8 Mitchell D. Roth John C. Andoh Mayor Mass Transit Administrator County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency HILO: 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8744 Fax (808) 961-8745 KAILUA-KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg D • Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4330 www.heleonbus.org heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Agenda Item # VII To: Hawai’i County Transportation Commission From: John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager Subject: Mass Transit Administrator Report ______________________________________________________________________________ Requested Action: Staff recommendthat the Transportation Commission receive a verbal update regarding activities of the Mass Transit Administrator. Background and Summary: Since the last meeting, the following items has been completed or worked on by the Mass Transit Administrator: Made revisions to transit services in February 2023 to various routes to eliminate non- productive services such Route 70, and two trips on Route 80. Routes 1 and 60 had their trips reduced due to low ridership and lack of buses. Launched partnership with Salvation Army and Hope Services for Safe Place Completed the website @ www.heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov. Continue to procure transit buses. RFP for electric buses and chargers drafted, IFB for diesel, diesel-hybrid and commuter buses releasedand closed. Finance Department is evaluating proposals. Continued work on implementing sustainability as a service model for electric charging infrastructure and electric buses. Completedfleet rebranding. Launched real time transit with GMV on Bus #107, 108, 109, 110, 614, 615, 616, 617 and any future new buses being purchased by using www.myheleonbus.org. These buses will also have public wi-fi, automatic passenger counters, and a separate Hele-On app. Placed five of the 21 donated buses from City and County of Honolulu into service. Continued work on the three hydrogen buses by US Hybrid with one bus operational. Continue to finalize an agreement with Lyft and Uber for their participation in the Shared Ride Program. Starting to hire positions to grow the Mass Transit Agency capacity. The vacant positions are: o Mass Transit Administrator o Assistant Mass Transit Administrator o Transit Program Manager o Clerk II o Secretary to the Administrator Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider Page 9 o Transit Fleet and Facility Manager o Transit Storekeeper o Program Support Technician o Accountant I o Two Mystery Riders (Contracted) o Mobility Coordinator (Contracted) Continued increased marketing efforts, including new schedules and maps being designed. Received more grants to support capital and planning efforts. o FTA Section 5310 funding o$3 million for bus replacements from Senator Schatz o$5 million for operations from flexing o$1 million for ADA bus stop improvements o$400,000 from State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development for Kailua- Kona Transit Hub Continued work to implement bus shelters island-wide. 42 shelters are being planned. Started Pahoa Transit Hub Planning Project in conjunction with the Hawai’i State Public Library. Started work on the Kailua-Kona Transit Hub Planning Project in conjunction with Hawai’i State Department of Accounting and General Services. Completed Bus Stop Accessibility Report and starting work ADA Bus Stop Improvements to comply with the ADA Settlement Agreement. Extended Fare Free to December 31, 2025. Upcoming elements: Restructure of the shared ride taxi program Planning and construction of transit hubs in Kailua-Kona, Waimea, and Hilo Formalization of bus stops and additional bus shelters added, Island-wide Implement Hele-On Li’i microtransit program in the Ka’u and Puna Districts Fiscal Impacts: None as this is an update to the Transportation Commission. Corporation Counsel Review: None. Attachments: Presentation on Hele-On L’il microtransit For information regarding this staff report, please contact John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager at (808) 961-8555 or email john.andoh@hawaiicounty.gov. Approved for Submission, John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager