With more than $1.11 million annually in fuel costs for county vehicles, Kaua‘i government officials say they are constantly researching ways to save money by improving efficiencies. Mixing hybrids into the county’s fleet of almost 600 sedans, trucks and buses
With more than $1.11 million annually in fuel costs for county vehicles, Kaua‘i government officials say they are constantly researching ways to save money by improving efficiencies.
Mixing hybrids into the county’s fleet of almost 600 sedans, trucks and buses has been one cost-cutting measure. But perhaps the most effective effort recently has been the Gasboy system, which improves vehicle maintenance and controls fuel use.
Implemented in April 2006, the technology is estimated to directly save Kaua‘i taxpayers tens-of-thousands of dollars per year, county spokeswoman Mary Daubert said.
The system cost $181,141 to install, including four island fuel terminals, she said. At $182 per year to maintain by keeping the software up to date, it is starting to prove a worthwhile investment.
The county uses some 22,000 gallons of diesel and 10,000 gallons of gasoline per month, costing the county more than $92,000, according to the county’s Public Information Office.
“As fuel is only dispensed with the use of a Gasboy key, the control over taxpayer-funded fuel is ensured,” Daubert said. “One of the greatest benefits is being able to identify excessive fuel consumption for each specific vehicle, and thus be able to improve our proactive and preventative maintenance.”
Improper vehicle maintenance was identified as an issue costing the county money.
The administration’s Information Technology and Auto Shop teams methodically developed a specific project plan that resulted in Mayor Bryan Baptiste’s decision to implement the Gasboy system.
“Some vehicles have not been brought in to our automotive equipment maintenance facility for their regular scheduled maintenance,” Daubert said. “Implementation of the scheduled maintenance feature of the Gasboy program will eliminate any possibility of this. Locking people out, preventing them from getting fuel will surely get their attention and stimulate participation from them in our maintenance program.”
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
