HI SB864

Establishes 4.0 full-time equivalent permanent student transportation coordinator positions within the Department of Education, with one coordinator assigned to each county.

Appropriates $400,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $400,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund these coordinator positions and strengthen student transportation services statewide.

Addresses chronic bus driver shortages that have resulted in route cancellations and consolidations, with the Department reporting 87 additional drivers needed and 175 drivers vacating positions in the previous school year.

Responds to the August 2024 suspension of 108 school bus routes affecting middle and high school students in central Oahu and all grade levels on the east side of Hawaii island.

Takes effect on July 1, 2025, and is intended to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve student achievement, particularly in rural, remote, and socioeconomically disadvantaged school communities.