“You don’t have to own a car to have a car.”
This slogan can be found in big bold letters on newly printed posters all over campus. Its purpose: To advertise BYU–Hawaii’s new car rental program, “Connect” by Hertz. The program was created especially for university students and has found success at universities in six countries and 25 states.
The service, the first of its kind in Hawaii, begins with a free student membership, which can be attained by connecting to the link to “Connect” from the university’s website. When students have signed up and receive their membership card in the mail, they are able to reserve one of the schools two cars – which will remain parked in the administration parking lot – either by phone or online. For $8/hour or $62/day, the student then has complete access to the island, simply by swiping the membership card over a space on the driver’s side window. Gas, insurance, roadside assistance and a GPS are included in the price.
Because BYU–Hawaii is conscious of and committed to finding a solution to the traffic issues related to Kamehameha Highway, the service was particularly appealing. The hope is that the service will create the same effect as carpooling, reducing the number of cars owned by individual students by allowing them to use the Connect vehicles.
Keni Kalama, a buyer with the BYU–Hawaii Purchasing Department, has been working closely with Hertz representatives to ensure that the program is a success. “We are the first school in Hawaii to have this program,” he says. “I’d really like to get as many students signed up as possible.”
There are two cars available currently – a Ford Escape and a Mazda 3 – but if the service becomes popular among students, Kalama says, “In the future… they could possibly add more.” “We encourage students to try it and give us feedback,” Kalama continued. “I hope it’s a hit. I hope students like it. The whole thing was done with students in mind. I think it’s great.”
On the Connect by Hertz site, there is a BYU Provo link that is available; however, the BYU–Hawaii link will not become available until January 20, 2011. Once available, BYU–Hawaii students will have a promo code available to waive the regular $50 membership fee. To sign up, call 1-877-654-4400 or visit connectbyhertz.com.