HI HR20

Department of Education urged to convene a working group to address Hawaii's school bus driver shortage, which was reported at 100 vacant positions out of 650 total in August 2021.

Working group membership to include Superintendent of Education, Board of Education Chairperson, Director of Transportation, and representatives from county transportation departments in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui.

School bus transportation contractors Ground Transportation Inc. and Roberts Hawaii invited to participate in the working group.

Working group requested to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2023 Regular Session convenes.

School bus service is identified as essential for student attendance, particularly for rural, remote, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.