Blessing held Thursday for Kaua‘i Bus Baseyard Expansion Project
LĪHU‘E – County officials, project partners, and community members gathered Thursday morning to bless the Kaua‘i Bus Baseyard Expansion Project in Līhu‘e.
The $6.4 million project—funded through County Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds and a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant within the U.S. Department of Transportation—will significantly improve The Kaua‘i Bus’s operational capacity, maintenance efficiency, and readiness for the island’s growing electric bus fleet. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated in late 2026.
“This project represents our continued investment in a cleaner, more efficient public transportation system for our island,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “As The Kaua‘i Bus incorporates electric vehicles, these new facilities will help ensure our fleet operates safely, reliably, and sustainably for years to come. Mahalo to all our partners who helped make this project a reality.”
The expansion will add three new, deeper maintenance bays to the existing three bays, allowing mechanics to service The Kaua‘i Bus’s new 35-foot battery electric buses. The project also includes two new power block chargers with four dispensers, providing essential charging infrastructure for the County’s growing electric fleet.
Additionally, the project will include improvements to employee parking along the shoulder of Ho‘olako Street across from the Vidinha soccer fields, and the creation of 10 relocated bus stalls to offset spaces displaced by the new maintenance bays.
“This expansion strengthens our foundation for the future of public transportation on Kaua‘i,” said Executive on Transportation Celia Mahikoa. “It not only supports our transition to electric buses, but also enhances safety and efficiency for our hardworking team that keeps The Kaua‘i Bus running every day.”
The project team includes Marc Ventura, Architect (project design and construction observation); Bill Bow, Engineer (engineering support); PBR Hawai‘i, led by Kimi Yuen (community outreach and environmental assessment); and Shioi Construction, the project’s general contractor.
Partners recognized for their collaboration include the Federal Transit Administration, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and its Planning Office led by Director Ed Sniffen, as well as the County of Kaua‘i's Office of the Mayor, Department of Finance, Office of the County Attorney, Planning Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Department of Public Works.
The expansion will add three new, deeper maintenance bays to the existing three bays, allowing mechanics to service The Kaua‘i Bus’s new 35-foot battery electric buses. The project also includes two new power block chargers with four dispensers, providing essential charging infrastructure for the County’s growing electric fleet.
 Mayor Kawakami addresses a crowd at the blessing of the Kaua‘i Bus Baseyard Expansion Project in Līhu‘e on Thursday.
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