Can I get help affording a car?

Some community action agencies and programs like Ways to Work, Wheels to Work, or Good News Garage offer low-interest loans or donated vehicles to working parents. Eligibility typically requires employment or training and income under a threshold. Waitlists can be long.

What is Medicaid NEMT?

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Medicaid must cover rides to and from covered medical appointments at no cost. Call the transportation number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule. Rides must be arranged in advance (usually 2–3 business days).

Are there reduced-fare transit options?

Most transit agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, disabled riders, and Medicaid enrollees. TANF and some workforce programs include transit passes. Some employers subsidize transit through pre-tax benefits. Contact your local transit authority for eligibility.

What if I live in a rural area with no bus?

Dial-a-ride services, volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, rural transit partnerships, and Medicaid NEMT serve rural residents. Community action agencies coordinate much of this. Call 211 for a local referral.

Transportation in Hawaii

10 verified resources.

About Transportation for Fathers

Transportation assistance helps fathers get to work, court, medical appointments, and childcare. Public transit passes are often available free or discounted through TANF, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and social service agencies. Many job training programs cover bus passes. The Ways to Work program and some community action agencies provide low-interest car loans to working parents. State DMVs typically require proof of insurance and current registration; low-cost insurance programs exist for low-income drivers in several states (California's Low Cost Auto Insurance is one example). For rural fathers without reliable transit, dial-a-ride and volunteer driver programs are coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies. Medicaid NEMT covers rides to covered medical visits at no cost. This directory includes transit authorities, Medicaid NEMT providers, and car-ownership assistance programs.

Transportation in Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

10 Resources

1. Skyline – Honolulu Rail Transit — Paid

Honolulu's elevated rail transit system connecting West Oahu to urban Honolulu with frequent service throughout the day. Fares are managed via the HOLO card used across TheBus system. Fathers commuting to work or appointments can use Skyline to avoid parking and traffic. Stations are ADA accessible. Check the Honolulu Transit site for current route maps, schedules, and transfer connections with TheBus.

808-848-5555 · Honolulu, HI 96819 · Service daily · Visit Website

2. Maui Bus — Paid

Public bus service on Maui with routes connecting Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, and other Maui communities. Fares are modest and monthly passes are available for frequent riders. Fathers can use Maui Bus for work commutes, appointments, and errands. Check the county bus service page for current routes, schedules, and fare information. Buses run daily but schedules vary between weekday and weekend service.

808-871-4838 · Kahului, HI 96732 · Daily 6am-9pm · Visit Website

3. HDOT – Hawaii Public Transit — Free

State transit programs and transportation resources through the Hawaii Department of Transportation from the Punchbowl Street headquarters in Honolulu. HDOT coordinates statewide transit planning, ADA compliance, and intermodal projects. Fathers with questions about statewide transportation policy or grant programs can call weekdays. For local bus or paratransit service, contact the county transit agency serving your island directly.

808-587-2150 · 869 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Handi-Van – Oahu Paratransit — Paid

Door-to-door ADA paratransit service for certified riders with disabilities on Oahu, operated alongside TheBus. Fathers who are certified riders, or who care for dependents who are, schedule rides in advance. Call for certification and scheduling information. Bring photo ID, medical verification of the qualifying disability, and current address. Certification must be renewed periodically. Rides are scheduled by reservation through the call center.

808-456-5555 · Honolulu, HI 96819 · Service daily · Visit Website

5. Roberts Hawaii – Shuttle Services — Paid

Airport shuttles and charter transportation across the Hawaiian islands with vehicles ranging from shared shuttles to private vans. Based in Honolulu with service statewide. Fathers can book online or by phone. Confirmation numbers and pickup windows are provided at booking. Rates vary by route and vehicle type. Compare shared airport service with private options when traveling with young children to save cost or time.

808-954-8652 · Honolulu, HI 96819 · Daily varies · Visit Website

6. Aloha United Way 211 – Transportation Help — Free

Dial 211 any time to reach Aloha United Way's 24/7 statewide helpline for referrals to transportation assistance programs, including medical transport, gas vouchers, and bus passes offered by partner agencies. Fathers can call confidentially without registration. Be ready to share your island, the type of trip needed, and any disability or income details so the navigator can match you to the best available program.

211 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. MEO Human Services – Maui Transportation — Free

Transportation assistance for seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities on Maui through Maui Economic Opportunity's human services program on Mahalani Street in Wailuku. Offers rides to medical appointments, work, and essential errands. Fathers can call weekdays to request service. Bring photo ID and proof of income or disability when establishing eligibility. Early scheduling is recommended for recurring trips.

808-877-7651 · 99 Mahalani St, Wailuku, HI 96793 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Kauai Paratransit Services — Paid

Door-to-door rides for eligible disabled residents on Kauai, coordinated through the county transportation agency in Lihue. Rides must be reserved in advance during scheduling windows. Fathers who are eligible, or who care for eligible dependents, can call for certification. Bring photo ID, address verification, and medical documentation of the qualifying disability. Certification must be renewed periodically to continue receiving service.

808-246-8110 · Lihue, HI 96766 · Mon-Sat by reservation · Visit Website

9. Big Island Paratransit — Paid

ADA paratransit service on Hawaii Island operated alongside the Hele-On bus system, with reservations required in advance. Based in Hilo with service across the Big Island. Fathers who are certified riders, or who care for certified dependents, should call to schedule trips. Bring photo ID, address verification, and medical documentation of the qualifying disability when completing certification for ongoing service.

808-961-8744 · Hilo, HI 96720 · Mon-Sat by reservation · Visit Website

10. Bikeshare Hawaii – Biki — Paid

Affordable bike-sharing system in urban Honolulu with stations across downtown, Waikiki, and surrounding neighborhoods. Offers single rides, day passes, and monthly memberships accessible 24/7 through the Biki app. Fathers running errands or commuting short distances can unlock a bike with a credit or debit card. Review helmet and safety guidance before riding, especially when taking children along on any family-friendly trip.

888-340-2454 · Honolulu, HI · 24/7 · Visit Website

Transportation — Common Questions

Can I get help affording a car?: Some community action agencies and programs like Ways to Work, Wheels to Work, or Good News Garage offer low-interest loans or donated vehicles to working parents. Eligibility typically requires employment or training and income under a threshold. Waitlists can be long.
What is Medicaid NEMT?: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation — Medicaid must cover rides to and from covered medical appointments at no cost. Call the transportation number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule. Rides must be arranged in advance (usually 2–3 business days).
Are there reduced-fare transit options?: Most transit agencies offer reduced fares for seniors, disabled riders, and Medicaid enrollees. TANF and some workforce programs include transit passes. Some employers subsidize transit through pre-tax benefits. Contact your local transit authority for eligibility.
What if I live in a rural area with no bus?: Dial-a-ride services, volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, rural transit partnerships, and Medicaid NEMT serve rural residents. Community action agencies coordinate much of this. Call 211 for a local referral.