Committee forwards $240,000 grant to keep HaiBike bikeshare operating on Hawaii Island

The Hawaii County Committee on Finance on Oct. 8 voted to forward a resolution authorizing the Mass Transit Agency to award $240,000 to People for Active Transportation Hawaii (PATH) to support the HaiBike bikeshare program.

Kelly Hudick, testifying from Kona in support of Resolution 318.25, said PATH began operating the county bikeshare program in 2016 and has grown the system to 13 stations in Kona and 10 stations in Hilo. "We also have an incredible partnership with Mass Transit where riders of the Hele-on bus can use the HaiBike for free, for 24 hours for unlimited 30-minute rides," Hudick said, adding the program provides an alternative, low‑impact transportation option and supports safety and recreational programming.

The resolution states the funds are intended to cover day-to-day operations and maintenance for HaiBike. Committee members moved the item forward to full council with a favorable recommendation. Council Member Inaba made the motion, Council Member Kaguya Wada seconded, and the clerk recorded eight ayes; Council Member Onishi was excused at the time of the vote.

Council members who spoke expressed general support for the program's role in first‑ and last‑mile connections with bus service and for its recreational and health benefits. The transcript records no formal objections or amendments to the resolution during the committee meeting.

If the council approves the forwarded resolution, the Mass Transit Agency would issue the grant award to PATH to cover operations and maintenance as described in the resolution language.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this report appear in the meeting transcript and include Kelly Hudick (testifier) and council members who sponsored or moved the measure. Details on the full council vote or any contract terms beyond the committee record are not specified in the committee transcript.