MEDIA RELEASE

The public is invited to the dedication of new Hele On buses at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29 at the county building on Aupuni Street in Hilo.

The buses are part of a package of nine new 33- and-49 passenger coaches. Seven were purchased with federal monies earmarked through the efforts of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye while two of the buses were purchased with monies from the Puna Geothermal Asset Fund with the assistance of Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason.

The new El Dorado buses are equipped with air conditioning, fully padded seats, wheel chair lifts, bike racks and stereo sound.

“We are pleased to announce this increase in new buses and routes raising the fleet to a total of 59. Aside from having more seats available, the public will be in for a really comfortable ride,” county Transit Administrator Tom Brown said.

Kumu James “Kimo” Luluhiwalani Awai III will conduct the blessing with the assistance of 60 Keaukaha children. Following the short ceremony, the keiki will enjoy an inaugural ride along Kalanianaole Avenue and through Hilo town in the passenger coaches.

All the new buses will be given Hawaiian names honoring specific winds of various geographical locations from across the Big Island.