HONOLULU — The state Department of Education announced on Thursday that it is suspending 108 school bus routes in Central Oahu and East Hawaii Island due to staffing shortages.

In response to the announcement of service interruption, Green signed an emergency proclamation aimed at bolstering school bus services.

What You Need To Know

  • The interruption will affect nearly 2,900 students who are signed up for bus transportation. Students who receive transportation as part of special education services will not be impacted
  • The suspended routes on Oahu are for middle/intermediate and high school students in the Aiea-Moanalua-Radford and Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Areas. The suspended routes in East Hawaii Island are for all grade levels in the Hilo-Waiakea and Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Areas
  • Among six bus service contractors, an estimated 87 additional drivers are needed to fully staff school bus routes. Over the last school year, 175 school bus drivers have vacated their positions, the HIDOE reported.
  • In response to the annoucement of service interruption, Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation aimed at bolstering school bus services 

 

The interruption will affect nearly 2,900 students who are signed up for bus transportation. Students who receive transportation as part of special education services will not be impacted.

“The shortage of school bus drivers across the nation continues to impact our schools and requires the temporary reduction of bus routes to ensure that bus services can continue for our special education students,” said Randy Moore, deputy superintendent of operations. “Working with our contractors to restore the bus routes is critical to support our students’ attendance at school and their learning

The suspended routes on Oahu are for middle/intermediate and high school students in the Aiea-Moanalua-Radford and Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Areas. The suspended routes in East Hawaii Island are for all grade levels in the Hilo-Waiakea and Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Areas.

Bus providers contracted by the state did not have sufficient drivers in place as of this week, according HIDOE.

Among six bus service contractors, an estimated 87 additional drivers are needed to fully staff school bus routes. Over the last school year, 175 school bus drivers have vacated their positions, the HIDOE reported.

HIDOE officials said they will continue to work with the school bus contractors to restore bus routes and will notify families when routes are restored. 

“The reliance on outsourced contractors and the lack of sufficient bus drivers have led to an annual crisis that disrupts our students’ education and daily routines,” said State Rep. Trish La Chica, who represents House District 37 (Mililani, Waipio Gentry, Waikele). “I am particularly concerned about the impact on elementary and middle school students, who rely heavily on these services for safe and timely transportation. It is critical for DOE leadership to take immediate and effective action to address these issues.

“I will work with Gov. Green’s administration to find immediate solutions for our affected families,” La Chica said. “However, long-term policy changes are essential to prevent future disruptions. I plan to work with all stakeholders to ensure a reliable transportation plan for all students. The DOE must prioritize the needs of our students and families and develop a sustainable solution.”

Impacted high school riders on Oahu will be offered HOLO cards to ride the City & County of Honolulu TheBus system for free. High school riders at East Hawaii schools are able to use the Hele-On county bus system for free with no pass needed. For more information, please visit the EXPRESS County Bus Pass Program section of the DOE website.

Mileage reimbursement applications will also be available for parents and guardians who drive their students to and/or from the impacted schools.

Schools will be distributing parent notifications with information on mileage reimbursement and refunds for families that have paid for school bus service. Each student may select either subsidized county transportation via EXPRESS or mileage reimbursement.

Bus service contractors are continuing to offer hiring bonuses, pay incentives and increased benefits to attract new drivers. For employment opportunities, visit hawaiipublicschools.org.

Staffing shortages are also affecting HIDOE’s after-school care programs for elementary students. Of the 163 school sites, 46 schools have waiting lists for the Afterschool Plus program. A+ contractors have notified families if their child is on the waitlist and will provide weekly updates through the first month.

Contractors providing A+ programs are actively recruiting staff across the islands. For employment opportunities, see:

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.