The Aloha State recently inaugurated a "milestone" in its "continuing effort to reduce [its] dependence on imported fossil fuels," according to Gov. Josh Green.
Last month, Hawaii's Department of Transportation welcomed the arrival of a dozen zero-emissions, battery-electric buses that are now in service in all four of the state's counties, including Maui County. The new buses will replace 12 aging diesel buses.
State officials confirmed each EV bus cost $1,179,745. "We appreciate the Federal Transit Administration's support in providing the grant funding to secure these buses and allow the counties to invest in improvements and infrastructure upgrades needed to transition their fleet to electric buses," added Green.
The Federal Transit Administration awarded $11.2 million to Hawaii's Zero Emission Bus Project through its "Low or No Emissions" grant and "Buses and Bus Facilities" formula program, helping fund the total $16.6 million project cost. The Hawaii State Energy Office added $3.53 million from Volkswagen Dieselgate Settlement funds, while the counties covered the remaining expenses.
"This is about partnerships," said Maui County acting Mayor Josiah Nishita. "It's about working together. It's about collaboration. We work to achieve sustainability goals.
Interestingly, there's no word for "sustainability" in the Hawaiian language "because that's just a matter of life, and that's just how we live," Nishita stressed.
Each bus replaced is estimated to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 1.445 tons over its lifetime, totaling about 17.34 tons in greenhouse gas reductions.
All Hawaii counties aim to fully transition to renewable-fuel bus fleets by 2035. Honolulu, for example, currently operates 17 zero-emission buses on O'ahu and plans to add up to 78 more over the next three years.
"These battery-electric buses have been a game changer for Honolulu," said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. "They are quiet and efficient, with top-notch performance ensuring our riders a safe, comfortable and high-quality ride. Our riders love them. Our bus drivers love driving them. I'm proud that our city and the state, are taking steps together toward a cleaner transportation future."
