HI HB683

Establishes full-time equivalent permanent student transportation coordinator positions within the Department of Education, with one coordinator designated for each county.

Appropriates general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund these coordinator positions and strengthen student transportation services statewide.

Addresses chronic bus driver shortages that have led to cancellation and consolidation of school bus routes, with 87 additional drivers needed statewide and 175 drivers having vacated positions over the prior school year.

Responds to the August 2024 announcement suspending 108 bus routes serving middle and high school students in central Oahu and all grade levels on the east side of Hawaii Island.

Aims to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve student achievement by ensuring adequate school bus transportation, particularly for rural, remote, and socioeconomically disadvantaged school communities.