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PRESS RELEASE
February 23, 2004
Maui Students Breathe Easier with Akina Bus Service
Students at Kihei Elementary School and Kamehameha School are now breathing cleaner air as they queue up for their school
bus departures. In a demonstration of its commitment to the environment, Akina Bus Service and Akina Aloha Tours are now burning B-20, a
blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum, in all their vehicles, from school buses to motor coaches.
Akina services four routes for Kihei Elementary and 11 routes for Kamehameha School’s Pukalani Campus, and provides
charter excursions for all public and private schools on Maui. Holo Ka’a Public Transit, operated by Akina Aloha Tours and Akina Bus
Service, also uses the B-20 fuel.
Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning, renewable alternative fuel produced in Hawaii from 100% recycled vegetable oil. Biodiesel
is safe for all diesel engines and has been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a fuel and a fuel additive. It can
be used pure, or blended at any percentage with petroleum diesel, and requires no costly engine conversions. Even in a 20% blend, as is
used by most fleets that are burning biodiesel, there are significant reductions in smoke, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and carbon
monoxide.
Dr. Michael Klaper, host of the popular radio show “Sounds of Healing”, has had ongoing concerns about the effects of
exhaust pollution on Maui’s environment and its people. The Maui physician, author and educator recently praised the use of biodiesel,
especially in school buses, saying, “I commend the foresight and initiative of Pacific Biodiesel in making a safer, renewable fuel
available for our vehicles and power generation, and I applaud the courage and wisdom of Akina Bus Service and Akina Aloha Tours in their
decision to use a biodiesel blend in their buses.” Dr. Klaper added that “everyone wins in this endeavor … most importantly, the children
who can breathe cleaner air while boarding their buses.”
The Maui biodiesel processing facility, built in 1996 and operated by Pacific Biodiesel, Inc., is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Energy and the National Biodiesel Board as an industry pioneer, having built the first public biodiesel pump in the U.S. The
biodiesel industry has since burgeoned in this country, growing at an annual rate of 200-300 percent over the past three years.
Maui Oil Company, Inc. blends and delivers the B-20 to Akina and was an influencing factor in the bus service’s commitment
to burn cleaner fuel.
Submitted by Kelly King
Marketing and Communications
For more information on biodiesel, call Kelly King at 808-283-1954
For more info on Akina Bus Service, call Dennis A. Levine at 879-2828
For more info on the National Biodiesel Board, call Joe Jobe at 1-800-841-5849
Great Fleets Across America, Part II
By staff editors Steve Hirano, Joey Campbell and Thomas McMahon, with contributions from editorial assistants Beverly Braga, Kristen Force
and Albert Neal.
Keeping it in the family
HAWAII
Akina Bus Service, Ltd., Kihei
FLEET FACTS
Buses: 16
Students transported daily: 950
Schools served: 2
Staff: 20
Average driver wage: $14.41
Website: www.akinatours.com
Akina Bus Service is on a short list of operations that have been able to grace SBF's Great Fleets Across America issue
more than once. Also a Great Fleet in 2002, this small company has been in business for 75 years, making it the oldest school
transportation provider on the island of Maui. Under the ownership of the Akina family, the company operates a fleet of 16 school buses,
supplementing a successful motorcoach and tour bus business. A close-knit network of employees and a commitment to family values has been
the standard at Akina.
"Having such an established family business really helps our standing in the community because our reputation is the
highest," says Dennis Levine, general manager. "The owner of this company believes in quality and his commitment is to be the best."
Extensive training is part of this quest to become the best. Drivers are given in-depth instruction on multiple topics,
including student management, defensive driving techniques, reference-point driving, pre-trip inspections, weather and more.
The extensive training pays obvious dividends in student management. According to Levine, student discipline is a very big
problem for a lot of operations in Hawaii. But not for Akina. "We have a problem with less than 2 percent of our students and that is due
to our drivers," he says. "When you have well-trained drivers who care about the children, your discipline problems become so many fewer."
Maintenance is another aspect of Akina's program that stands out among student transporters in Hawaii. Levine says there
may be only one or two operations in the state that even come close to offering the same level of maintenance attention to their vehicles
as Akina does. Two full-time mechanics maintain a fleet of 50 vehicles, which includes school buses, motorcoaches, vans, limousines and
other vehicles. Each mechanic is ASE-certified in each type of vehicle. The company also has a huge bus lot, modern shop, a bus
maintenance software system and new equipment. And of course, it always helps to have a fleet of new vehicles.
HVCB HONORS 10 HAWAI'I ORGANIZATIONS WITH MAILE AWARD
The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) today presented 10 Hawaii organizations with its prestigious Maile Award
in recognition of their contributions to sustaining the quality of life and growth of tourism in the islands.
The presentations were made at HVCB's Annual Luncheon in the Coral Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. An
estimated 1,000 attendees representing tourism, business, and the general community took part in the luncheon, which commemorated HVCB's
100 years of marketing Hawaii (1903-2003) and was themed Pupukahi i holomua (Unite in order to progress).
HVCB's new President and CEO John Monahan met the membership for the first time, having officially started his position on November 3. In
addition, HVCB Chairman Anthony R. Guerrero introduced his successor, Donald Takaki, who begins his chairmanship of the Board of Directors
effective January 1, 2004. As chairman of Island Movers, Takaki is a highly respected business owner, avid supporter of Hawaii sports
teams, and the former chairman of the Hawaii Convention Center Authority.
The Maile Award is the highest honor presented annually by HVCB to an individual or organization. It recognizes community members
celebrating anniversaries of 25, 50, 75, and 100 years of serving Hawaii.
"We applaud our 10 Maile Award recipients for their sustained support of our community and making the Islands of Aloha a better place to
live and visit," said Monahan. "This group of honorees exemplifies the diversity of organizations, people, and events that contribute to
the quality of the Hawaii cultural and visitor experience."
The 2003 Maile Award honorees, their year of anniversary, and a short description are as follows.
25 Years
Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas - This landmark, award-winning Maui resort opened in 1978 as the first visitor accommodations serving
Kapalua. The distinctive architectural design reflects the history of Maui's plantation era.
Ironman Triathlon World Championship - It began as a one-of-a-kind endurance race in 1978. But within a few years, the Ironman became
internationally recognized as the ultimate test of athleticism and conditioning, a world-class signature event for Hawaii's Big Island,
and one of the most respected championships in all of sport.
Waikiki Community Center - From its simple beginnings in a tiny cottage 25 years ago, this Waikiki "place of refuge" has evolved into a
setting for programs, classes, and services to help those who live and work in the area.
Na Wahine O Ke Kai - Widely regarded as the world championship of women's long distance canoe racing, this grueling open ocean crossing
spans 41 miles from Molokai to Waikiki. This year's race attracted 72 crews from around the world.
50 Years
Iolani Sportswear - This family-owned business opened its doors in 1953 with just four sewing machines and seven employees. Now, it stands
as one of Hawaii's most respected clothing manufacturers and designers of Aloha fashion wear.
75 Years
Akina Aloha Tours - Maui's oldest passenger service used banana wagons, buses, and taxis to transport people in 1928. Today, it is known
for superior service having been named in 2002 as one of the nation's "Top Ten Most Innovative Motor Coach Operators."
100 Years
Korean Centennial Committee - The first immigrants from Korea arrived on U.S. soil in Hawaii 100 years ago, inspiring a yearlong
centennial celebration recognizing the cultural impact on local traditions throughout the islands.
Soto Mission of Hawaii - The mission's centennial celebration this year honored the pioneer Issei (first generation) and Nisei (second
generation) immigrants from Japan and their contributions to Hawaii's culture.
E.K. Fernandez Shows - A staple of local fun and excitement at the 50th State Fair, the Farm Fair, and school and community carnivals
statewide, E.K. Fernandez has been entertaining island families since introducing the first steam driven Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round
in 1903.
Daughters of Hawaii - Founded 100 years ago by seven women, the Daughters of Hawaii are dedicated to preserving Hawaii's history, most
notably the Queen Emma Summer Palace in Honolulu and Hulihee Palace in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.
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