Bill > SB837

This bill addresses the critical shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii by authorizing the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for student transportation services under specific conditions. The legislation aims to provide flexibility in transportation options by allowing the Department of Transportation to grant exemptions for using alternative vehicles when traditional school buses are unavailable or economically impractical. Key provisions include requiring drivers of these alternative vehicles to be properly licensed, mandating that schools obtain written parental liability waivers, and ensuring that an adult staff chaperone accompanies students during transportation between campus locations. The bill expands transportation options for various educational institutions, including day care centers, preschools, kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and allows for transportation to school-related activities. The legislation stems from a gubernatorial emergency proclamation issued in August 2024 to mitigate the school bus driver shortage and is designed to create a sustainable, structured approach to addressing transportation challenges while maintaining student safety.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=837&year=2026