Hawaii Senate Bill SCR117

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/14/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Report Pass: 4/21/25

Caption

Urging The Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee To Collaborate With The Department Of Education, Department Of Transportation, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

Impact

The interplay of transportation challenges faced by students on Hawaii Island, such as long travel distances and limited bus services, creates acute safety concerns as many children are forced to walk along unsafe roads to reach bus stops or schools. SCR117 seeks to address these issues by calling for an inventory of bus stops to identify safety deficiencies. This could impact state laws by potentially leading to the implementation of infrastructure improvements and enhanced protocols for how school transportation services operate, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 117 (SCR117) addresses the safety of school-aged children in Hawaii as they travel to and from school. The resolution specifically urges the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to work collaboratively with the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and the County of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive inventory of bus stops utilized by children on Hawaii Island. This initiative aims to assess the current conditions of these bus stops and develop targeted strategies for improving safety at each location, highlighting the critical need for safe transportation options.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR117 appears supportive, emphasizing the urgency of improving safety for children. Lawmakers, educators, and community leaders recognize the importance of this initiative in mitigating risks associated with transportation to school. This bipartisan support reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Hawaii's keiki, aligning with broader educational and public safety goals. However, the success of this resolution will depend on adequate funding and resources to implement the recommended improvements effectively.

Contention

While SCR117 garners general support, there may be concerns regarding its execution, particularly in terms of funding resources for the proposed strategies. The resolution encourages the allocation of funds from the County of Hawaii’s Safe Routes to School program, but ensuring consistent financial backing may be a point of contention among policymakers. Additionally, balancing the safety needs of students with logistical challenges in implementing infrastructure improvements could spark debate among local stakeholders.