Bill > SB835

This bill addresses Hawaii's critical school bus driver shortage by modifying transportation regulations to allow commercial driver's license (CDL) holders with a passenger "P" endorsement to provide student transportation services without needing an additional school bus "S" endorsement. The legislation stems from an emergency proclamation issued by the governor on August 2, 2024, which temporarily suspended certain state laws to help mitigate transportation challenges, particularly in rural areas and on neighbor islands. Specifically, the bill amends Section 286-181 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to add a third exemption for vehicle use when driver availability is impractical, and explicitly states that CDL holders can drive student transportation vehicles with only a passenger endorsement. The bill's purpose is to create a sustainable, legislatively approved solution to the ongoing driver shortage, ensuring that schools can maintain safe and consistent transportation options for students by expanding the pool of qualified drivers and providing more flexibility in student transportation services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=835&year=2026