Sparking major milestone: Neighbor islands, including Kaua‘i, welcome new zero-emission buses to fleets

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation — in partnership with the state’s four counties — recently unveiled new all-electric, zero-emission buses for Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, sparking a major milestone toward a sustainable future for transportation throughout the state.

“The arrival of these new alternative energy, low-emission buses will provide our residents and visitors with additional transportation options that will help keep our communities connected,” said Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green in a state announcement about the new buses, adding the buses enhance the state’s energy security.

A total of 12 diesel buses in the fleets of Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi counties will be replaced with the battery-electric buses.

The City and County of Honolulu already has several zero-emission buses as part of its TheBus fleet and secured funding to purchase additional buses during the next 3 years.

Estimated nitrogen oxides emissions reduced for each bus replaced on the neighbor islands is 1.445 tons throughout the lifetime of the bus, equating to a total reduction of about 17.34 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal Transit Administration provided $11.2 million in grant funding to help the state and counties cover the cost of the buses, which was a total of $16.6 million. Hawai‘i State Energy Office contributed $3.53 million, with the remaining amount covered by the counties.

Green said the state appreciates the support of Federal Transit Administration grant funding to secure the buses, allowing each of the state’s counties also to invest in improvements and infrastructure upgrades to transition their fleets to accommodate the new electric buses.

Each county is aimed at converting their public bus fleets to 100% renewable fuels by 2035.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami said the arrival of the new electric buses is an important milestone — for his county and the entire state — marking a significant step forward to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“The introduction of electric buses into our county’s fleet is more than a transportation upgrade; it is a clear commitment to environmental responsibility in our county and state,” Kawakami said in the announcement.

Kaua‘i County and its residents understand the importance of caring for the Earth. Transitioning to electric buses helps reduce emissions, lower long-term costs and lead by example in the fight against climate change.

“These vehicles show our continued commitment to investing in technology that aligns with our values,” the Kaua‘i mayor said. “We look forward to continuing this momentum and building a transit system that future generations will be proud of.”

The new buses will improve air quality and protect public health in residential, rural and school zones susceptible to air pollutants.

They also will reduce diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting susceptible communities and improving Hawaiʻi’s air quality.

“These new electric buses are a significant step toward reducing our emissions and expanding sustainable transportation options for our residents,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in the announcement. “They are a win both for our environment and the people of Hawaiʻi.”