The County of Hawaiʻi Mass Transit Agency, also known as Hele-On, has begun a leadership transition. Effective March 31, John Andoh, the Mass Transit Administrator, will be stepping down to take a similar role on the mainland.

The Mass Transit Administrator role will be open for recruitment on April 1.  A new administrator is expected to be in place no later than mid-Summer after the Department of Human Resources conducts a thorough and extensive hiring process.

In a press release Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth said, “We brought John on as a transit expert to help us build a foundation for a sustainable transit system for our residents — which is exactly what we did.”  Roth continued, “Prior to John’s arrival, the service was inconsistent, outdated, and in dire need of a facelift. Today, routes are timely, buses have been upgraded with more on the way, and the services have expanded to include many transportation options such as more transit services, rural door-to-door services, taxis, flex routes, carpooling, vanpool, micro-transit, rideshare, Safe Places, bike-share, and more. In addition, John’s work has implemented many of the recommendations of the County’s Transit and Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan. We appreciate the groundwork that John helped us lay for our Mass Transit Agency and look forward to building upon the good work as we head into a new chapter for Hele-On and our administration.”

John Andoh released a statement saying, “”Coming to Hawaiʻi to help better the Hele-On transit system has been a dream, and I am glad Mayor Roth allowed me to do so. Hele-On is now more than just a bus system; there is more to come, such as new zero-emission buses, ADA-compliant bus stops, transit hubs, micro-transit, and more staff for the Mass Transit Agency. It’s exciting times for public transportation, and I am glad to have served this administration and the County.” 

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth