'Aina Haina residents say they made progress in a meeting with the city yesterday over the restoration of a main bus route through their community but are still working toward a final fix.

Though nothing was decided at the meeting, transportation officials pledged to come up with several ideas to address residents' concerns. The city and residents will meet again Dec. 27 and decide on the solutions, some of which could be put in place by January, said Wayne Yoshioka, city Department of Transportation Services director.

'Aina Haina residents are pushing the city to restore a schedule that had the Route 1 bus, which runs from Hawai'i Kai to Kalihi, traveling through the East and West Hind Drive loop. Since Dec. 2, when a new schedule went into effect, the community has instead been served with a circulator bus.

Route 233 loops between Kahala Mall and 'Aina Haina.

"We're looking at several alternatives," Yoshioka said.

He said some interim fixes could be put in place by the start of the new year.

Long-term fixes, though, could take more time to implement.

City officials have said that the 'Aina Haina changes were designed to provide faster service with fewer stops through the busy corridor.

But residents contend the new bus schedule is confusing and even dangerous for bus riders who are elderly, disabled or school kids.

And they point out that riders heading to Hawai'i Kai must now cross the six-lane Kalaniana'ole Highway, instead of catching a bus on Hind loop. The new plan also has fewer buses coming through 'Aina Haina every hour and cuts off service earlier.

Resident Art Mori, whose daughter relies on the bus to get around, said he was pleased with the meeting yesterday.

"We hope to be able to modify the routes to everyone's satisfaction," he said. "We are definitely making progress" with the city, he added.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.