STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2167-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.C.R. No. 31

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 31 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LICENSING, TRAINING, AND WORKFORCE PIPELINE FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS IN THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Department of Education, to:

(1) Evaluate and recommend improvements to the licensing, training, and workforce pipeline for school bus drivers in the State; and

(2) Submit a report to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2027.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi; two members of the Hawaiʻi County Council; one member of the Maui County Council; and Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that reliable and accessible school transportation is critical to ensuring equitable access to public education for students across the State. However, persistent shortages of qualified school bus drivers, compounded by barriers to commercial driver's licensing and training, have created significant disruptions to student transportation services. By requesting the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Department of Education, to evaluate and recommend improvements to the licensing, training, and workforce pipeline for school bus drivers, this measure supports the State's efforts to strengthen the driver workforce and enhance the stability of school transportation for Hawaii's families.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 31 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair