summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requires the Department of Education to establish a School Bus Driver Recruitment Grant Program. Establishes a School Bus Driver Recruitment Special Fund. Establishes a Repayment Signing Bonus Program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
AI Summary
This bill aims to address the critical shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii by establishing a School Bus Driver Recruitment Grant Program, which will provide funds for obtaining commercial learner's permits and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), covering associated training, testing, and medical fees, and supporting community college and university training courses, including mobile units for neighbor islands. It also creates a dedicated School Bus Driver Recruitment Special Fund to hold appropriations, grants, and other collected moneys for this program. Additionally, the bill introduces a Repayment Signing Bonus Program, offering a $2,000 bonus to new school bus drivers with a CDL, but requiring repayment if they leave employment within 36 months, with collected funds going to the general fund. The Department of Education is mandated to submit quarterly reports to the Legislature detailing various metrics related to driver recruitment, retention, and program effectiveness, and funds are appropriated for these initiatives.
Committee Categories
Education, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (20)
Terez Amato (D)*,
Tina Grandinetti (D)*,
Ikaika Hussey (D)*,
Kirstin Kahaloa (D)*,
Jeanné Kapela (D)*,
Darius Kila (D)*,
Nicole Lowen (D)*,
Lisa Marten (D)*,
Lauren Matsumoto (R)*,
Tyson Miyake (D)*,
Dee Morikawa (D)*,
Ikaika Olds (D)*,
Amy Perruso (D)*,
Mahina Poepoe (D)*,
Sean Quinlan (D)*,
Garner Shimizu (R)*,
Kanani Souza (R)*,
Adrian Tam (D)*,
David Tarnas (D)*,
Chris Todd (D)*,
Last Action
The committee(s) on LAB recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1770&year=2026 |
| HB1770_HD1_TESTIMONY_LAB_02-12-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB1770_HD1_TESTIMONY_LAB_02-12-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB1770_HD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB1770_HD1_HSCR26-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB1770_HD1_HSCR26-26_.pdf |
| HB1770_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-03-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB1770_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-03-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB1770_.HTM |
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