County Mass Transit Agency Begins Leadership Transition

The County of Hawaiʻi Mass Transit Agency, commonly called Hele-On, has begun a leadership transition after implementing significant improvements to buses, routes, schedules, and other critical transportation services over the past 18 months. As part of the leadership change, John Andoh, the Mass Transit Administrator, will be stepping down effective March 31 to transition to a similar role on the mainland. The position will be open for recruitment on April 1, and a new administrator will be expected to be in place no later than mid-Summer after the Department of Human Resources can conduct a thorough and extensive hiring process.

 “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,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “Prior to John’s arrival, the service was inconsistent, outdated, and in dire need of a facelift.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.”

“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,” said Andoh.