HONOLULU RATE COMMISSION
2023 POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

The Honolulu Rate Commission is seeking public input on several policy recommendations prior to transmitting them to the Mayor and City Council for consideration and action.

You may provide input in any of the following ways:
Direct Testimony:
Remote community meeting September 12, 2023 from 2:30P up to 4:30P
Manoa Falls Conference Room, 711 Kapi’olani Boulevard, Suite 1600 & Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82883579756?pwd=UGtaNndKbTMzTHZxV2pE TkxSTUUxQT09; or
In-person community meeting September 12, 2023 from 6:00P up to 8:00P
Kapalama Hale 925 Dillingham Boulevard #153
Written testimony may be faxed to 808-768-4730, transmitted via internet to ratecomm@honolulu.gov or mailed to 711 Kapi’olani Boulevard, 16th Floor, Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813, Attention: Rate Commission.

Recommendation #1: Suspend the farebox recovery ratio.
Recommending the repeal of the farebox recovery ratio policy established by Resolution 00-29 and amended by Resolution 19-10.

Recommendation #2: Implement a taxi voucher pilot program.
Recommending support for a taxi voucher pilot program.
Budget: $1,500,000.
Limited existing paratransit-eligible riders and ID holders.
Proposed pilot participants = 500
No more than 10 vouchers per month per person (120 per year maximum).
Open to all qualified cab companies.

Recommendation #3: Seek additional sources of revenue to support transit.
Recommending the City pursue additional sources of revenue to support public
transportation.
Expand contract fares for special groups such as Universities (U-Pass),
Schools – both Department of Education and Private.
Extend county share of the General Excise Tax to fund transit operations.
Generate new income from advertising on the HOLO cards.
Dedicate a percentage of all parking fees, including a commercial parking fee,
to transit.
Secure Federal (Medicaid) funds to support TheHandi-Van services.
Seek Federal Highways Administration flex funding through Hawai’i
Department of Transportation as part of its annual re-distribution process.
Explore a higher fare structure for routes that serve mostly non-residents.
Create large organization fares for employees of big businesses such as
hospitals, hotels, utilities, banks, etc.
Secure Destination Management Support from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA).

Recommendation #4: Pursue Fare affordability.
Recommending TheHandi-Van eligible riders with a HOLO card be provided fare free service on bus and rail.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Department of Transportation Services Office at 808-768-8329 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to hchee@honolulu.gov as soon as possible, preferably at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. If a request is received after this date, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled.

Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Any questions may be directed to Howard “Puni” Chee at (808) 768-8329.