Kauai welcomes 5 hybrids
into the county fleet

LIHUE » With gas prices at an all-time high, Kauai officials say the county's five new hybrid cars are arriving just in time.

The gas-electric hybrid Toyota Priuses are expected to save at least $1,400 per year and likely more as gas prices continue to climb.

The new vehicles are replacing the oldest in the county fleet. They average about 50 miles per gallon in city driving -- about twice as much as the cars they are replacing -- and have one of the lowest emission ratings for gas-powered cars. They were ordered in June.

"With escalating fuel prices, it makes good economic sense for us to purchase this type of vehicle to replace the county's old cars," said Mayor Bryan Baptiste. "The added benefit is that hybrid vehicles are environmentally friendly."

Jason Alfiler, superintendent of the county's automotive repair shop, is excited about the new cars. "Over the years, the technology for alternative fuel vehicles has vastly improved," said Alfiler, who drove a solar-powered car in a 1993 competition for U.S. colleges and universities while he was a student at Kauai Community College.

Richard Minatoya, first deputy prosecuting attorney, is one of the lucky ones assigned to drive a new county car. He is giving up a Ford Taurus.

"It'll be interesting to see what kind of fuel efficiency these vehicles actually have," Minatoya said.

Other county departments whose aging cars were recently replaced by hybrid vehicles include the driver's license division, planning and real property tax assessment. The new cars will be used by county workers doing inspections, safety checks and other official business, county officials said.

Before driving off in a new car, employees received orientation.

"It's not the same as driving a regular gas-powered car," Alfiler said. "It'll take a little getting used to before someone feels comfortable driving a hybrid vehicle. For one thing, you don't turn a key to start the car. You push a button."