S.C.R. No. 23 Summary

• Pearl City School District is experiencing a transportation shortage due to bus driver shortages that have existed since at least 1991, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating conditions in 2021.

• More than a dozen Pearl City students currently lack transportation services and are on a waitlist despite some buses having unused seats.

• Requests the Department of Education to immediately provide bus service to all waitlisted students in Pearl City School District.

• Directs the Department of Education to utilize smaller buses with lower route ridership minimums, develop a bus driver training program, and establish a driver "pool" by collaborating with teachers, parents, unions, senior groups, nonprofits, the military, and universities.

• Requests exploration of staggered school start and end times to facilitate student transportation and enhanced outreach between the Department of Education, schools, and parents regarding changing demographics and transportation needs.