Hawaii House Bill HCR191

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/1/24
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/1/24

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Develop A Comprehensive Plan For The Reinstatement Of Cancelled School Bus Service Routes.

Impact

Currently, Hawaii is experiencing a significant shortage of qualified school bus drivers, which has led to the complete or partial suspension of bus services at several high schools on Oahu and Kauai, affecting thousands of student riders. HCR191 seeks to address these suspensions by calling on the Department of Education to create a structured plan that would allow affected students to reliably access education. The resolution not only seeks to restore services but also emphasizes the importance of transportation in facilitating educational opportunities for all students in Hawaii.

Summary

HCR191 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the State of Hawaii during the Thirty-second Legislature of 2024. The resolution urges the Department of Education to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at reinstating cancelled school bus service routes. The necessity for this resolution arises from the critical role that school bus services play in ensuring student attendance, especially for those living in rural areas or from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. The inability of these families to access schools could significantly impact educational equality within the state.

Contention

One of the notable points surrounding HCR191 is the acknowledgment of ongoing challenges, particularly the shortage of school bus drivers, which could continue to disrupt services unless properly addressed. The resolution requests that the Department of Education submit a comprehensive plan that includes findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature by a specified date, highlighting a proactive approach to resolving these transportation issues. The successful implementation of this plan could alleviate some of the logistical challenges faced by the educational system, but its success will depend on the feasibility of hiring qualified drivers and funding for reinstatement.