HI HB2373

Establishes a two-year "Keiki Fare-Free Transit Pilot Program" providing free public bus and rail service to all Hawaii residents from birth through age 18 on Oahu and Kauai, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.

Department of Transportation must coordinate with counties to evaluate the program's impact on ridership, costs, transportation equity for disadvantaged and rural communities, and alignment with state environmental goals.

Fare-free access is a privilege that can be suspended or revoked if a rider engages in conduct endangering safety or causing others to feel unsafe.

Department of Education already spends $1,890,000 annually for 6,208 middle and high school students on Oahu and 99 students on Kauai to use public buses due to school bus driver shortages; existing pass distribution systems would be adapted for year-round use.

A report with ridership data, costs, administrative issues, and recommendations for continuation, modification, or discontinuation must be submitted to the legislature by December 2028, including sustainable funding recommendations if expansion is warranted.