Vanpool seeking Maui riders, drivers

The Maui News
Sunday, April 29, 2007
By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer

KAHULUI - State officials said Saturday they are working to ease congestion on public roadways, but Maui residents could help by ride sharing.

"We just can't build. We have to have programs to alleviate traffic," said state Transportation Director Barry Fukunaga.

Fukunaga was part of a campaign for Vanpool Hawaii, including a rally at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center to encourage Maui residents and businesses to join into a Vanpool.

Vanpool, an ongoing program in Hawaii for 13 years, encourages commuters to car pool - except drivers don't use their own cars, receiving instead use of a van or SUV for a fee.

Deputy Transportation Director Brennon Morioka, who oversees the Highways Division, urged residents who travel to and from West Maui to sign up for Vanpool or other ride-share programs.

"West Maui is probably the worst congested areas on Maui," he said. "Everybody has a role. Join a ride-share program."

Currently, two companies participate in Vanpool on Maui. Boeing uses the vehicles to get its workers to observatories on Haleakala. Easter Seals also has workers using a Vanpool vehicle, said Athena Keehu, senior account executive at Vanpool Hawaii.

She said both organizations are subsidizing the Vanpool program for their workers.

No individuals are currently participating in Vanpool on Maui. But at the rally Saturday afternoon, around 11 individuals signed up to participate in Vanpool, officials said.

To qualify for a van, there needs to be a driver and at least three passengers. Cost is $55 per person a month for a van, $70 per person for the use of "Cool Pool" vehicles such as SUVs. The cost includes insurance, maintenance, repairs and roadside assistance. Participants pay for gas. The primary driver also has the vehicle for personal use.

Officials at Maui Land & Pineapple Co. recently pitched the Vanpool idea to their employees in Kapalua and received a positive response said Melanie Williams, director of organizational development. Williams said the company, which owns the Kapalua Resort and is seeking to build more employee housing in West Maui, understands the traffic congestion and frustration that goes with the commute to Kapalua.

"It was a natural fit for us," she said.

For those who choose to Vanpool, Maui Pine is offering incentives including a $50 gas card for a one time fill up and premium parking at work. Workers can also choose to have Vanpool monthly fees deducted from their paychecks before taxes, Williams said.

Of the 470 employees in Kapalua, about 18 percent commute from Central Maui. But Williams said even workers who live in Lahaina could benefit from use of a Vanpool vehicle.

Vicki Harris, executive director of Vanpool Hawaii, said she expects more workers to use the program as the cost of gas climbs and highway congestion increases. She said she knows it's hard to change commuting habits.

"You need to give it a chance," she said.

For information, go to the Web site, www.vanpoolhawaii.com, or call (800) VAN-RIDE.