Bill > HB683

This bill addresses the ongoing challenges in student transportation services in Hawaii by establishing and funding student transportation coordinator positions in each county. The legislature recognizes chronic bus driver shortages that have led to the cancellation of numerous school bus routes, affecting students' ability to get to school, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, the Department of Education reported a need for 87 additional drivers across six bus service contractors, and 175 bus drivers had left their positions in the previous year. The bill seeks to appropriate funds for full-time equivalent (FTE) permanent student transportation coordinator positions, with one coordinator assigned to each county, to help strengthen and improve student transportation services statewide. The appropriated funds will be expended by the Department of Education, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a typographical error and likely means 2025). The ultimate goal is to address chronic absenteeism and support student achievement by ensuring more reliable school transportation options.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=683&year=2026