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:
- On Maui, two Iao Intermediate bus routes have been restored this week, serving the Waihee, Waiehu Kou I-IV, Ocean View Estates, Waiehu Heights, Waiehu Terrace, Paukukalo and Iao Parkside areas.
- Maui's shortage of qualified school bus drivers is currently at seven, down from eleven, three weeks ago. Routes at Lahainaluna High have been fully restored. Remaining suspended routes at Baldwin High and Iao Intermediate are expected to return to service in coming weeks. 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, three 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.
For questions about school bus registration, route or service concerns statewide, please contact the Get On Board Hotline at (808) 586-0161.
