Committee sends John McBride’s nomination for Transportation Commission to full council with favorable recommendation

The Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs on Oct. 7 voted to forward Mayor Kimo Alameda’s nomination of John McBride to the Transportation Commission with a favorable recommendation to the full council.

Mr. Alameda introduced McBride as a resident of Council District 2 who would serve a term expiring Dec. 31, 2029, if confirmed. McBride told the committee he is “semi‑retired” and continues to operate tours and holds commercial driving experience; he said he hoped to contribute practical, on‑the‑road perspective to the commission.

Councilmembers asked McBride about transportation priorities. McBride said oversight gaps exist: he told the committee that the island lacked a motor vehicle safety officer after the previous officer retired, and he described enforcement gaps affecting taxis and other services. “We don’t have a watch, somebody watching what’s going on and anything that’s sliding through the cracks,” he said, describing regular inspections and federal standards he follows as a tour operator.

Councilmember Onishi noted mass‑transit challenges including charging infrastructure for electric buses, telling McBride, “they are looking at purchasing more electric buses. But the problem is we don't have the resources to charge them.” Councilmember Connie Lee Kleinfelder urged the nominee to consider connectivity among sprawling island communities, micro‑transit and route adjustments.

After discussion, the committee voted 8‑0 (one absent) to forward the nomination to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

What’s next: The nomination will be considered by the full County Council. The committee record shows members expect the nominee to work with the Transportation Commission on issues including oversight, fleet electrification challenges and intercommunity connectivity.