Progress update on school bus driver shortages on Maui and Kauai; Lahainaluna High bus routes fully restored

31-Aug-2017

Progress continues by school bus contractors to address the current shortage of Commercial Driver Licensed (CDL) drivers on Maui and Kauai qualified to operate school buses. Routes at Lahainaluna High are fully restored.

Photo of school bus.

Work continues to restore Maui & Kauai bus routes. Lahainaluna High routes fully restored.

Photo Credit: Department of Education

KAHULUI, LIHUE – The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) reports that progress is being made by school bus contractors to address the current shortage of Commercial Driver Licensed (CDL) drivers on Maui and Kauai qualified to operate school buses.  The latest updates are as follows:

  • Lahainaluna High School's bus routes FR 12A/B and FR 13A/B have been restored to service.  
    • Route FR 12A/B makes two morning and afternoon runs.  The first serves the lower Kapalua area on Kahana Ridge Drive to Hanawai Street.  The second run serves the lower Lahaina area, beginning at Aholo Road through Front Street to Shaw Street.

    • Route FR 13A/B makes two morning and afternoon runs.  The first serves the Kaanapali and Napili-Honokowai areas.  The second run serves the upper Front Street area from Hinau Street to Kenui Street, then on Front Street to King Kamehameha III Elementary School.

    • These latest routes fully restore Lahainaluna High's bus service.
  • Maui's shortage of qualified school bus drivers is currently at nine, down from eleven, two weeks ago.  Routes at Lahainaluna High have been fully restored.  Routes at Baldwin High and Iao Intermediate have been temporarily suspended and routes have been consolidated to adjust to the staffing shortages.  Several driver candidates are currently in the licensing process and routes will be restored as they enter service.

  • Kauai's shortage of qualified school bus drivers is currently at seven, down from eight, two weeks ago.  School bus routes have been consolidated to adjust to the staffing shortages and all schools are still being serviced.  Several driver candidates are currently in the licensing process and routes will be restored as they enter service.

  • For a limited time, school bus contractors are offering hiring bonuses and increased wages.  Interested CDL drivers should contact the Student Transportation Services Branch at (808) 586-0170 as soon as possible.  Interested drivers without a CDL are also being sought.  The CDL training and testing process is open and takes approximately three weeks to complete. 

"The Department is working hard with our school bus contractors to return affected routes to service and we anticipate more routes to come online in the coming weeks," said Assistant Superintendent Dann Carlson.  "We truly appreciate the patience shown by our parents, students and staff during this time."

For questions about school bus registration, route or service concerns statewide, please contact the Get On Board Hotline at (808) 586-0161.

Contact Information

Donalyn Dela Cruz

Phone: 808-586-3232

Email: donalyn_dela_cruz@hawaiidoe.org

Ho‘oha‘aheo

Ho‘oha‘aheo newsletter cover

The Department's primary publication featuring successes across our public schools.

View all Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletters