Hawaiʻi County and State officials recently convened to address the impending school bus driver shortage expected to impact student transportation in East and South Hawaiʻi as the new school year approaches.

Mayor Mitch Roth, in collaboration with representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the County’s Mass Transit Agency, has outlined immediate steps to mitigate the effects of the shortage. This includes the identification of public transportation routes that will temporarily accommodate students, as well as an urgent appeal for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holders to fill these critical roles. Additional stops may be added to existing Hele-On routes to ensure safe and reliable transit to and from public schools.

In the short term, public transportation routes may be adjusted to prioritize student access. The Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Agency has designated specific routes where students can utilize the Hele-On Bus system at no cost during school commute hours. The county is also collaborating with the state to expedite the hiring process for new drivers for CDL holders who are willing to join this effort.

The state and its contractors are concurrently exploring long-term solutions, including subsidizing CDL training programs for residents interested in becoming school bus drivers and enhancing recruitment efforts locally.

Individuals with a current CDL license who are interested in becoming school bus drivers are encouraged to contact the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education for more information on how to apply.