Requesting The Department Of Education To Expand Transportation Services In The Pearl City School District.
If enacted, SR17 would require the Department of Education to meet several immediate obligations. This includes providing bus service to all students currently on waitlists in the Pearl City School District, identifying schools lacking sufficient transportation services, and utilizing smaller buses to increase service options. Furthermore, the resolution promotes new initiatives such as establishing a driver pool and exploring staggered school timings to accommodate better student transportation. These actions are aimed at alleviating any current and future transportation barriers within the district.
Senate Resolution 17 (SR17) requests the Department of Education to expand transportation services in the Pearl City School District, addressing a long-standing issue of transportation shortages primarily caused by a lack of bus drivers. The resolution underlines that these transportation challenges have been persistent since at least 1991 and have worsened due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that reliable transportation is vital for students' academic success. Currently, many students are on waitlists for bus services, further complicating access to education for those affected.
The resolution also touches on logistical and operational challenges presented by the current transportation framework. For instance, eligibility for bus services is limited by distance—students living under one mile from school may not qualify for regular service. Such restrictions can prevent students from utilizing available resources, even when buses have unused capacity. The bill highlights the need for a balanced approach that ensures educational equity while addressing the logistical realities faced by the Department of Education.