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HONOLULU RECEIVES $5 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR HYBRID BUSES   (Thurs., Oct. 28, 2010)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today thanked the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Hawaii's congressional delegation for a $5 million grant the City will use to replace diesel buses in Waikiki with turbine hybrid-electric buses that are quieter, more fuel-efficient and produce lower emissions.   "By providing quieter and cleaner buses to the busy Waikiki area, this project will help to create a more livable community for both residents and visitors," Carlisle said. "The new vehicles will also be evaluated for their ability to reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions."   Honolulu's project was selected on a competitive basis through a green transit initiative called the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER II) Program.   The program is a result of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, which appropriated $75 million for grants to public transit agencies for capital investments that will reduce the energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions of their public transportation systems.     Honolulu's project objectives are to:   ·        Reduce Greenhouse gases and energy consumption on one of the busiest bus routes in Honolulu; ·        Increase the livability and vitality of Waikiki, a major tourist destination, employment center and residential area, by operating quiet, low-emission turbine buses through this densely populated area; ·        Evaluate the performance of a 45-foot bus in Waikiki allowing a reduction in the number of bus trips; ·        Evaluate the use of electrically-powered components including A/C system, air compressor, and power steering pump; ·        Eliminate the use, and disposal of, engine oil, transmission fluids, and engine coolant; ·        Improve service reliability; ·        Compare turbine hybrid buses with conventional hybrid buses and with conventional diesel buses; ·        Reduce operations and maintenance costs; ·        Prepare an evaluation report which will be used nationwide to advance the knowledge of innovative technologies in transit systems.   -30-   Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.