MEDIA RELEASE

One of the nine new buses in the County of Hawai‘i’s mass transit fleet was ceremonially blessed today by Pastor Gaymond Apaka of Haili Christian Church.

The 49-passenger bus is one of five new County buses equipped with reclining seats, AC, individual reading lights, overhead climate control, luggage compartments, wheelchair access, video and audio security surveillance, audio sound system and bicycle racks. The other four new buses are 33-passenger models.

Mass Transit Agency Director Tom Brown thanked Sen. Daniel Inouye and Mayor Billy Kenoi for their help in acquiring federal funds to obtain this significant addition to the County’s mass transit fleet. Brown also thanked Fifth District Councilwoman Emily Naeole for a contribution of $300,000 from geothermal funds for the bus purchases.

The comfortable new buses will be put in service on the island’s longer routes, Brown said, such as those between Hilo and Kona, Waikoloa and Ka`u.

Mayor Kenoi and members of the Retired Service Volunteers Program attended the blessing and took the first ride in the new bus following the blessing and dedication.

For information, call Mass Transit, 961-8343.