Bill > SB864

This bill addresses the critical issue of student transportation challenges in Hawaii by establishing and funding four full-time equivalent (FTE) student transportation coordinator positions, with one coordinator assigned to each county. The bill highlights significant transportation problems in the state's education system, including chronic bus driver shortages that have led to the cancellation of bus routes, particularly affecting middle and high school students in central Oahu and across the island of Hawaii. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, the Department of Education reported needing 87 additional drivers and noted that 175 bus drivers had left their positions. Recognizing that inadequate school bus transportation can exacerbate chronic absenteeism and negatively impact student achievement, especially in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, the bill appropriates $400,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support these coordinator positions. The coordinators will be tasked with strengthening student transportation services across the state, with the goal of addressing the ongoing transportation challenges and ensuring more reliable school bus services. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the funds will be expended by the Department of Education.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=864&year=2026