HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-09 Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes County of Hawai’i Friday, December 9, 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, Matthew Terlep,
Commissioners
Staff: John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager Suzanna Tupaia, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Absent: Benjamin Agdeppa, Roselyn Molina, Commissioners
A quorum was determined.
III. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 9, 2022 AGENDA
Chair O’Loughlin introduced the item and Commissioner Lee moved that agenda be approved, seconded the motion by Commissioner Supe-Roque, it carried unanimously,
5 ayes. Agenda approved.
IV. APPROVAL OF APRIL 4, 2021 MINUTES Chair O’Loughlin introduced the item and Commissioner Supe-Roque moved that the
minutes be approved. Commissioner Lee seconded, 5 ayes. Minutes approved.
V. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Chair 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
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. Jessie B. Robianes on behalf of Angel’s Taxi, Waikoloa
2. Branden Hensen on behalf of B & H Taxi, Hilo
3. Antonia Imada on behalf of Donna’s Taxi & Tours, Honoka’a
4. Generosa B. Garcia on behalf of Gene’s Taxi, Hilo
5. Jelsa Isidro on behalf of Hawai’I Transportation and Tours, Kailua-Kona
6. Jhomel Badua on behalf of JB’s Taxi, Kea’au
7. Randy Llaneza on behalf of Kai’s Taxi, Waikoloa
8. Larry Domingo on behalf of Loren’s Taxi, Kea’au
9. Rosito Piementero on behalf of RODDEI, Kailua-Kona
10. Joanne Louise Voriano on behalf of Xyleanne Taxi, Waikoloa
Motion to approve by Commissioner Cruz, seconded by Commissioner Sup-Roque.
5 ayes to approve the certificates.
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-On buses. This would
also include what would happen if rider violated any of the rules; as of right now and
how the police and prosecuting attorney would handle the impacts of these rules. Deputy
Corporation Counsel Tupaia is working 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. PROPOSED CHANGES TO TAXI FARES
Administrator Andoh introduced the item and discussed that taxi fares have not been increased since November of 2005. He summarized the petition received. Commissioner Terlep asked about Lyft and Uber fares. Chair O’Loughlin asked about
feedback from the other taxicab companies. Administrator Andoh stated it was a positive feedback. Commissioner Cruz asked about the next steps.
Administrator Andoh summarized the next steps including amendments to Chapter 18, presentation to the County Council, having three readings and then implementation, which will require updates to various printed materials. He also mentioned County Council would want to ensure that the Commission was supportive of the
recommendation to increase the fair.
Motion to forward recommendation to the County Council appending amendments to Chapter 18 by Commissioner Terlep seconded by Commissioner Cruz. 5 ayes to approve the recommendation.
IX. MASS TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Andoh introduced this item and also the paratransit operational contractor
teams from MTM Transit. Scott Tranise from MTM Transit talked briefly about MTM Transit. He further presented the following items as explained below:
Revised transit services on August 28 and October 23 to add additional trip on Route 90, create Route 203 and make minor revisions to the transit system.
Launched two pilot tripper routes to support schools in West Hawai’i with funds from the Department of Education.
Continue to procure transit buses. RFP for electric buses and chargers drafted, IFB
for diesel, diesel-hybrid and commuter buses released.
Completed procurement of a bus washing and security contractor, paratransit, and bus shelter cleaning contractor.
Continued work on implementing a sustainability as a service model for electric
charging infrastructure and electric buses.
Starting to implement fleet rebranding.
New website @ www.heleonbus.org is done and being reviewed.
Launched Transit – mobility as a service app.
Received 13 donated buses from City and County of Honolulu and placed six of the worse performing and oldest buses out of service.
In the process of receiving 8 additional donated buses from City and County of
Honolulu.
Starting hydrogen operations.
Launched Hele-On Hoa Holo (vanpool) and preparing to launch a partnership with
Uber.
Launched HI Rideshare.
Studying scooters.
Launched Safe Place to allow for youth in trouble to get a safe place while being
connected to resources.
Completed cash handling audit update.
Starting to hire nine positions to grow the Mass Transit Agency capacity.
Increased marketing efforts, including new schedules and maps being designed.
Received more grants to support capital and planning efforts.
Conducted systemwide bus stop inventory as part of ADA compliance.
Continued work to implement bus shelters island-wide.
Relocated office at West Hawai’i Civic Center to a better office location – Building D with better customer service access.
Launching at “Get Around Hawai’i” website for tourists.
Completed Master Plan Update.
Started Pahoa Transit Hub Planning Project in conjunction with the Hawai’i State
Public Library.
Working on Bus Stop Accessibility Report and 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
Training for Transportation Commission members about their role. There was a brief discussion from the Commissioners on these activities. Commissioner
Sup-Roque asked about how MTM Transit can be involved with workforce development for island residents. Mr. Tranise explained how that could work. service in Waikoloa. Administrator Andoh explained the future desires of service at Waikoloa area. X. COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS Chair O’Loughlin and Commissioner Cruz both stated he was pleased with the direction
of the Mass Transit Agency and appreciative of their involvement in being able to assist.
XI. NEXT MEETING – MARCH 2023
Administrator Andoh announced the next meeting will be in March 2023.
XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Supe-Roque moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner
Terlep. Meeting adjourned at10:06 a.m. 5 Ayes.
Minutes and Approved prepared by:
John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator and General Manager