RATIONALE:
Accessible, affordable, and reliable transportation is a critical factor in youth access to education, employment, and community activities across Hawaiʻi, yet transportation costs and limited school bus capacity continue to create barriers for many families. These challenges disproportionately affect low- and moderate-income households and rural communities, contributing to student absenteeism and lost instructional time.
Establishing fare-free public transit for youth will increase transit use, ease pressure on school bus operations, support youth independence and long-term transit habits, and advance the state’s climate commitments under the Navahine Settlement by reducing emissions and traffic congestion.
2026 Bills:
TAKE ACTION NOW:
Public hearings are an opportunity for the public to weigh in on bills being considered by lawmakers. Submitting testimony for these hearings is an important way to let lawmakers know your position on these important issues. All you need to do is share why you are in strong support (we have some talking points below to get you started!). Each hearing may have different lawmakers, so you must submit testimony each time there is a new hearing.
Hearing Information
Bill: HB 1879 HD1
Position: Strong Support
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Committee: House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness
How to Submit Testimony
- Log-in /make an account on the Capitol website.
- Go to the bill page for HB 1879 HD1 and click on the “Submit Testimony” button.
- Upload or write your testimony in SUPPORT of the bill (It doesn’t need to be long!).
- Please submit testimony at least 24 hours in before the hearing to ensure your testimony is received on-time and reviewed by the committee members! Late testimony will be accepted until the time of the hearing.
SAMPLE TESTIMONY:
Accessible, affordable, and reliable public transportation is essential to the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s youth and families. I strongly support free public transit for youth which would increase access to education, employment, and community opportunities. This would also help reduce carbon emissions, creating a better climate for us all. Free transit for youth can create lifelong ridership, extending the benefits for generations to come. I respectfully urge you to pass this bill for our youth, their families, and the environment we enjoy here in Hawaiʻi.
TALKING POINTS:
- Accessible, affordable, and reliable public transportation is essential to the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s youth and families.
- Ensuring free access to public transit can increase access to education, employment, and community opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income households and rural communities.
- Increases youth’s confidence and independence, encouraging a life-long use of public transit.
Aligns with the commitments outlined within the Navahine Settlement, supporting decarbonization efforts by reducing emissions and easing traffic congestion. - Eases the burden of driver and service shortages for school bus and public transit operations that contribute to elevated rates of student absenteeism and lost instructional time.