Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –State Representative Takashi Ohno (Nu‘uanu, Liliha, Pu‘unui, Alewa Heights) has introduced a bill to mitigate traffic on Hawai‘i roads. House Bill 1293 establishes a remote work transition grant program within the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) focused on helping small businesses convert to virtual offices.
Eligible small businesses may apply and receive grant money that may be used for costs associated with setting up home offices, such as laptops, or funds that will pay a portion of employees' electricity bills. Preference will be given to small businesses that can reduce the miles driven by their employees.
"Traffic was solved during the pandemic months, and this was a result of individuals staying at home," said Ohno. "Implementing this program will reduce the number of people commuting to an office space and ease the congestion in our roads."
Additionally, this measure compliments Governor Ige’s vision of remote work in Hawai‘i given in his State of the State address this week.