County getting federal money for new buses

Hawaii County will receive $1.2 million in federal grant money to purchase three new buses for the Hele-On fleet.

The money comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s State of Good Repair grant program. The buses replace three older ones being retired from the fleet. The buses being replaced are more than 17 years old.

Mayor Billy Kenoi said the county plans to purchase 49-passenger motor coaches, which will be wheelchair-accessible, air-conditioned, and equipped with bicycle racks.