GILLIG, the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States, proudly announces the delivery of the newest generation of GILLIG Battery Electric Buses to the Counties of Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island.
These high-capacity zero-emission buses were celebrated at Driving Hawai‘i Forward, a landmark event at Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 29 that brought all four counties together to showcase statewide commitment to safe, efficient, and dependable public transportation.
Hosted in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), and Honolulu Harbor, four 35′ GILLIG Battery Electric Buses, from each of Hawai‘i’s four counties, were displayed side by side. The gathering underscored a shared vision for reliable transit solutions grounded in local values.
“This is a proud day for Hawai‘i,” said John Nouchi,.
“The State Department of Transportation, City and County of Honolulu, and Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i counties have collaborated to bring you a reveal of the future of our state transportation networks.
Together, they signify a quantum leap forward in our state’s commitment to green and sustainable transportation.”
These new GILLIG Battery Electric buses are the latest generation zero-emission vehicles built on GILLIG’s proven Low-Floor platform. Trusted for its durability, ease of maintenance, and fleet integration across propulsion types, the GILLIG platform has been relentlessly tested over decades in the often corrosive, and challenging Hawaiian landscape.
Each new bus is equipped with 686kWh of onboard energy storage and engineered to outperform and outlast, setting the industry standard for zero-emission performance.
Honolulu’s leadership has paved the way for this milestone.
“In 2020, our first electric bus, born in Livermore, California and manufactured by GILLIG, arrived on our shores with great anticipation,” said Nouchi.
“We immediately put that bus to the test. It effortlessly traversed every corner of this island… tackling our most demanding routes. Its performance exceeded all our expectations.”
While the GILLIG bus representing Oʻahu at the event is part of the previous generation, it remains a proven workhorse.
The 17 GILLIG Battery Electric Buses currently in service across the island average up to 200 miles per day, thanks to innovative scheduling and mid-day charging strategies.
The newest generation buses now being delivered to Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island offer over 35% more onboard energy storage, delivering extended range and operational flexibility.
Honolulu anticipates adding up to 78 of these next-generation Battery Electric Buses in the coming years, continuing to lead by example in pursuit of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.
“For more than 40 years, we’ve worked alongside Honolulu to support safe, reliable transit,” said Derek Maunus, President & CEO of GILLIG.
“Now, seeing all four counties come together to drive Hawai‘i forward—each with our newest generation Battery Electric Buses—is incredibly meaningful. These buses reflect the collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose it takes to build transit systems that truly serve their communities. We’re proud to be part of that mission.”
County leaders across the state echoed that spirit:
Mayor Kimo Alameda of Hawai‘i County said, “All Hawai‘i stands together in this awesome opportunity to show our collaborative efforts as one island state… I can see the future of our transportation system on the Big Island is very bright.”
Josiah Nishita, Managing Director representing Maui County, noted, “This is about partnerships. It’s about working together. It’s about collaboration. It’s a testament to the relationships we’ve built and the leadership provided.”
Celia Mahiko, Executive on Transportation for the County of Kaua‘i, added, “We are proud to join our fellow counties in this collective effort toward cleaner transportation. Together, we are building momentum toward a more sustainable statewide transit system-one that reflects our values and our commitment to future generations.”
While GILLIG’s partnership with Honolulu spans more than four decades, the relationships with Kaua‘i, Maui, and the ‘Big Island’ of Hawai‘i are more recent—and already showing strong momentum. Each new delivery represents not just a vehicle, but the beginning of a long-term collaboration built on performance, trust, and shared goals.
Funding for the multi-county procurement included $11.2 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities programs, $3.53 million from the Hawai‘i State Energy Office via Volkswagen Settlement funds, and additional county contributions.
About GILLIG
GILLIG is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States. Founded in 1890 and based in Livermore, California, GILLIG builds all buses in the U.S. with a deep commitment to quality, safety, and reliability. GILLIG offers a flexible portfolio of low and zero-emission propulsion options — including Battery Electric, Hybrid-Electric, CNG, and Clean Diesel providing transit solutions that meet the needs of every community and helping drive America forward. Learn more at www.GILLIG.com.