HI HB1879

Establishes a subsidized youth transit program within the Department of Transportation to provide free or reduced-cost county bus and rail service to all Hawaii residents from birth through senior year of high school, plus guardians of young children and aides for youth with disabilities.

Creates a prioritization system when funding is insufficient: first serving youth with financial/social needs (those in foster care, public housing, receiving free/reduced school meals, or from single-parent households) and youth with disabilities, then all youth, then guardians and aides.

Allocates 38 cents per barrel of petroleum products and 36.8% of the non-petroleum fossil fuel tax from the existing Environmental Response, Energy, and Food Security Tax to fund the program, estimated to generate approximately $9,870,000 annually.

Establishes a Subsidized Youth Transit Program Special Fund administered by the Director of Transportation, with required biannual program evaluations and annual reports to the legislature on ridership, costs, and alignment with state emissions reduction goals.

Supports Hawaii's environmental targets to reduce emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve net negative greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, following requirements from the Navahine F. v. Department of Transportation settlement agreement.