Groundbreaking, blessing kicks off Kaua‘i Bus Baseyard Expansion Project

Kaua‘i County officials, project partners and community members gathered Thursday morning (Nov. 13) to break ground, kick off and bless The Kaua‘i Bus Baseyard Expansion Project in Līhu‘e.

The $6.4 million project — funded by Kaua‘i County capital improvement project dollars and a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration grant — will significantly improve operational capacity, maintenance efficiency and readiness at The Kaua‘i Bus for the county’s growing electric bus fleet.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated in late 2026. Thursday’s ceremony event was akin to a kickoff for the expansion.

“This project represents our continued investment in a cleaner, more efficient public transportation system for our island,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a county release following Thursday’s ceremony. “As The Kaua‘i Bus incorporates electric vehicles, these new facilities will help ensure our fleet operates safely, reliably and sustainably for years to come.”

The expansion will add three new deeper maintenance bays to the existing three bays, allowing mechanics to service new 35-foot electric buses.

Two new power block chargers with four dispensers also are part of the project, providing essential charging infrastructure for the county’s growing electric bus fleet.

Employee parking improvements along the shoulder of Ho‘olako Street, across from Vidinha soccer fields, and creating 10 relocated bus stalls to offset spaces displaced by the new maintenance bays are more add-ons to the baseyard expansion.

“This expansion strengthens our foundation for the future of public transportation on Kaua‘i,” said Kaua‘i County Executive on Transportation Celia Mahikoa in the release. “It not only supports our transition to electric buses, but also enhances safety and efficiency for our hardworking team that keeps The Kaua‘i Bus running every day.”

Project team members include architect Marc Ventura, who worked on project design and construction observation; engineer Bill Bow, who is providing engineering support; PBR Hawai‘i, led by Kimi Yuen, which worked on community outreach and the project’s environmental assessment; and general contractor Shioi Construction.