Councilman Greggor Ilagan joins residents on the inaugural run. (Photo courtesy of Councilman Ilagan’s Office)

MEDIA RELEASE

A long awaited answer to public transportation needs was delivered April Fool’s Day with a new Hawaiian Paradise Park bus route.

“All this time I had to walk … hitch a ride, and that’s pretty dangerous, but what else can you do? So this [new bus route] is good,” passenger Jeanne Seimer said.

Seimer was one of eight residents who utilized the bus on its maiden trip through HPP at 6:25 a.m. Monday, April 1.

Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4 served donuts to early morning riders and discussed the journey, and the people it took to get the bus route in place, with HPP Owners Association President June Conant.

“Once Greggor got into office, he bent some elbows and finally got it going,” Conant said.

“We had a lot of great people working together to get this bus into HPP. Past and present efforts have all culminated today to provide sorely needed transportation to the people in this community. This bus route is a reality thanks to Tiffany Kai, Acting Administrator of Hawaii County Mass Transit, Mayor Billy Kenoi, the HPP Owners Association and the people of Puna,” Ilagan said.

For maps and schedule information, visit the Hawaii County Mass Transit website at www.heleonbus.org