Hawaii Senate Bill SR60

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

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

Impact

The resolution addresses the pressing issue of a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, which has led to the complete or partial suspension of transportation services at ten high schools on Oahu and four on Kauai during the current school year. The urgency for reinstating these services is tied to the anticipated further suspensions of additional routes, potentially affecting even more educational institutions across Hawaii if the driver shortage continues unabated. A restored bus service is crucial for ensuring that all students have equitable access to education.

Summary

Senate Resolution 60 (SR60) urges the Department of Education in Hawaii to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at reinstating school bus service routes that have been cancelled. The need for this resolution stems from the critical role that school bus services play in ensuring students' attendance at public schools, especially for those living in rural and remote areas or coming from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. On Oahu alone, approximately 12,000 students rely on these services, along with 13,000 from the neighbor islands, illustrating the scale of dependency on school transportation.

Contention

The resolution is set to require the Department of Education to submit its comprehensive plan, including findings and recommendations, to the legislature ahead of the 2025 regular session. This request reflects an acknowledgment of the logistical challenges posed by the driver shortage and highlights a proactive approach to address the loss of essential school services. However, there may be debates regarding the effectiveness of the measures proposed and the timeline for their implementation, which could lead to discussions about the adequacy of support systems in place for special populations reliant on these services.