HI HCR240

Department of Education requested to establish a task force to research and report on the feasibility of providing Wi-Fi internet access on school buses for routes where one-way commutes exceed thirty minutes.

Task force report must include cost estimates for Wi-Fi equipment, installation, service, and identify potential revenue sources.

Task force must include representatives from the Department of Education's Office of Information Technology Services, Student Transportation Services Branch, school bus service companies operating on qualifying routes, parents from remote areas, and relevant teachers.

Department of Education must submit the task force findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2011.

Resolution references that Hawaii students in remote areas commute up to fifty-six hours monthly by school bus, and notes similar Wi-Fi initiatives have been implemented in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, and Washington D.C.