In an effort to support local businesses hurt by rail construction, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation plans to offer free shuttle service Saturday from Aloha Stadium to Pearl City.

Rides on an open-air trolley and minibus will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making stops at popular shopping and dining areas in Aiea and Pearl City such as Pearlridge Center, Pearl Kai Shopping Center and Pearl Highlands Center.

“Shop, Dine & Shuttle” is offered in conjunction with HART’s “Shop & Dine on the Line” initiative — a partnership launched in August with dozens of businesses located near rail construction in Waipahu, Pearl City and Aiea. Participating stores and restaurants offer discounts to help attract customers. Several business owners have voiced frustration with construction and the closure of left turns into their properties.

“It’s a good way to get to several of them (shopping areas) and not have to hassle with parking,” said Bill Brennan, HART spokesman. “With businesses, we’re bringing customers right to their doors.”

Sponsored by Move Oahu Forward, the shuttle program was launched last week. Officials are now looking into the possibility of offering the service in Waipahu and in town, depending on sponsorship.

Brennan said more than 100 businesses are now participating in HART’s “Shop & Dine on the Line” program, which began with 65 businesses.

“I think it’s very encouraging that more and more businesses continue to sign up and participate in the program,” Brennan said. “If businesses want this, then we’d like to keep providing it.”

Steven Wong, owner of Honolulu Kitchen on Farrington Highway, said he hopes the shuttle service will be offered in Waipahu. He added that about 10 percent of customers ask about their “Shop & Dine on the Line” offer.

“I’m sure they’d get off and buy,” said Wong of the shuttle service. “I believe … I would benefit from it.”

Sadie Nakakura, co-owner of Baldwin’s Sweet Shop on Kamehameha Highway in the Waimalu Shopping Center, said she did not see more customers come in during the free shuttle service last week. She estimated revenues are down by about 25 percent this holiday season due to rail construction. Nakakura said Baldwin’s initially participated in HART’s discount program but that it became too difficult to offer discounts when they were already struggling.

“This is the worst Christmas that we’ve ever had, very terrible,” said Nakakura, whose family opened the popular snack shop in 1977. “We need every penny we can get. Hopefully we’ll survive with this rail.”