HB 862: Department of Transportation; Department of Education; State Public Charter School Commission; School Bus Services; Student Transportation; Small Buses, Motorcoaches, and Vans
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-26
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-05-30: Act 140, on 05/30/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1240).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill lets the state transportation department allow motorcoaches, small buses, and vans to be used for school transportation when regular school buses are unavailable or impractical, and allows the Department of Education, the state public charter school commission, and private schools to use those vehicles. Drivers must meet school vehicle licensing and safety standards, the transportation department must set rules for vehicle and driver safety, and an adult staff chaperone is required when students are moved between off‑campus and on‑campus locations.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met. (CD1)
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met. Requires State to upgrade to zero emission school buses by 2045. Requires the state agencies to prioritize zero emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicles. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
862 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the availability of school bus services is essential to student attendance. School bus services are particularly crucial for families who live in rural and remote areas, as well as students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. This shortage is impacting the State, forcing the suspension or partial suspension of school bus services to central Oahu and east Hawaii island. In the 2024-2025 school year, a total of one hundred thirty-eight routes were temporarily suspended, affecting nearly three thousand seven hundred twenty students who signed up for bus transportation.
The legislature further finds that, to address the shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii, the governor issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024 to allow the department of transportation to grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school buses to transport students. Specifically, this and subsequent related emergency proclamations allow for the transport of students using vehicles other than school vehicles by drivers possessing a commercial driver's license with an endorsement authorizing the driving of vehicles carrying passengers. The legislature believes that making this exemption permanent may help alleviate the lack of school bus drivers.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that certain provisions of the governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services is placed into statute by authorizing the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services; provided certain conditions are met.
SECTION 2. Section 286-102, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) A person operating the following category or combination of categories of motor vehicles shall be examined as provided in section 286-108 and duly licensed by the examiner of drivers:
(1) Mopeds;
(2) Motorcycles, except for autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2, and motor scooters;
(3) Passenger cars of any gross vehicle weight rating, buses designed to transport fifteen or fewer occupants, trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eighteen thousand pounds or less, and autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2; and
(4) All of the motor vehicles in category (3) and any vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle.
A school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van operator shall be properly licensed to operate the category of vehicles that the operator operates as a school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van and shall comply with the standards of the department of transportation as provided by rules adopted pursuant to section 286-181."
SECTION 3. Section 286-181, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (b) through (e) to read:
"(b) The department of transportation shall grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles, including motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, when the department finds that compliance with this section is:
(1) Impractical due to the unavailability of school vehicles; or
(2) Impractical due to economic factors.
No exemption shall be granted for the qualifications
of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and [such] the
individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications.
(c) The exemptions in subsection (b) shall be granted:
(1) To the department
of education to administer to [public] department schools based
on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education;
provided that the department of education shall submit a report to the
department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to
which these exemptions were [utilized;] used;
(2) To the state public charter school commission to administer public charter schools based on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the state public charter school commission shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were used;
[(2)] (3) To a board of independent schools,
which is registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, to administer
to private schools utilizing criteria developed by the departments of
transportation and education; provided that the board shall submit a report to
the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent
to which these exemptions were utilized;
[(3) Only for] (4) For the transport of pupils to and
from school functions or school-related activities [but not], for
transportation to and from a school[;], and for transportation to and
from designated drop off locations and pick up locations established by the
department of education, in consultation with the department of transportation;
[(4)] (5) Only when each pupil being transported
has obtained a written statement from the pupil's parent or legal guardian
waiving the State's liability; and
[(5)] (6) In accordance with the procedures and
criteria established by rules of the department of transportation.
(d)
[The] Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the
department of transportation may grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other
than school vehicles [for the transportation of students requiring special
education and services], including the use of motorcoaches, small buses,
and vans that may not meet school bus regulations but shall otherwise meet
vehicle requirements and qualifications set forth in chapter 19-143, Hawaii
Administrative Rules, for school bus services, when an adult staff chaperone escorts
students being transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on-campus, when the department of transportation
finds that compliance with this section is impossible or impractical; provided
that an adult staff chaperone provided by the department of education escorts
students being transported between designated off-campus and designated
on-campus locations; provided further that no exemption shall be
granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in
section 286-2 and [such] the individuals shall meet school
vehicle driver qualifications.
(e) The department of transportation shall adopt safety rules and standards relating to school vehicles, equipment, and drivers, including but not limited to:
(1) School vehicle and school vehicle equipment design, construction, and identification;
(2) School vehicle driver qualification and training as required by law;
(3) School vehicle operation;
(4) School vehicle maintenance and maintenance records;
(5) Special school vehicle safety inspections;
(6) Criteria for passenger loading and unloading safety areas; and
(7) Procedures and criteria for the granting of exemptions permitted under subsections (b), (c), and (d);
provided that the rules and standards shall permit
the use of small buses [or], vans [weighing less than ten
thousand pounds], or motorcoaches for the transportation of pupils
of a public or private day care center, child care facility, headstart
program, [and] preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary
school, including any special school for children in the State with an
accompanying adult staff chaperone escort provided by the department of
education for students transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on‑campus or of school pupils and school staffs
to and from school-related activities."
2. By amending subsection (i) to read:
"(i) As used in subsection (b), a school vehicle is unavailable when it:
(1) Is being used during a specific time for contracted school-related transportation to and from school or related destinations;
(2) Fails that day's inspection and has not been repaired;
(3) Is already in transportation service; or
(4) Is committed for
transportation service[; or
(5) Does not meet
the requests of a school for a motorcoach with undercarriage storage
compartments and public address system; provided that the use of the motorcoach
shall be used solely for the transportation of middle, intermediate, or high
school student groups to and from school-related events or activities. As used in this paragraph,
"motorcoach" means a vehicle that carries more than twenty-five
passengers, has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000 pounds, and is
no more than fifteen years old]."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Department of Transportation; Department of Education; State Public Charter School Commission; School Bus Services; Student Transportation; Small Buses, Motorcoaches, and Vans
Description:
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
862 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the availability of school bus services is essential to student attendance. School bus services are particularly crucial for families who live in rural and remote areas, as well as students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. This shortage is impacting the State, forcing the suspension or partial suspension of school bus services to central Oahu and east Hawaii island. In the 2024-2025 school year, a total of one hundred thirty-eight routes were temporarily suspended, affecting nearly three thousand seven hundred twenty students who signed up for bus transportation.
The legislature further finds that, to address the shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii, the governor issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024 to allow the department of transportation to grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school buses to transport students. Specifically, this and subsequent related emergency proclamations allow for the transport of students using vehicles other than school vehicles by drivers possessing a commercial driver's license with an endorsement authorizing the driving of vehicles carrying passengers. The legislature believes that making this exemption permanent may help alleviate the lack of school bus drivers.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Ensure that certain provisions of the governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services is placed into statute by authorizing the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services; provided certain conditions are met;
(2) Require the State to upgrade to zero emission school buses by 2045; and
(3) Require state agencies to prioritize zero emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicle.
SECTION 2. Section 103D-412, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsection (a) to read:
"(a) The procurement policy for all agencies purchasing or leasing buses, or light-, medium-, and heavy-duty motor vehicles shall be to seek vehicles that reduce dependence on petroleum‑based fuels that meet the needs of the agency. Priority for selecting vehicles shall be as follows:
(1) Zero-emission vehicles;
(2) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
(3) Alternative fuel vehicles; and
(4) Hybrid electric vehicles."
2. By amending subsection (c) to read:
"(c) For the purposes of this section:
"Agency" means a state agency, office, or department.
"Alternative fuel" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations part 490; provided that "alternative fuel" includes liquid or gaseous fuels produced from renewable feedstocks, such as organic wastes, or from water using electricity from renewable energy sources.
"Alternative fuel vehicle" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations part 490.
"Bus" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 1037.801.
"Covered fleet" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations part 490 subpart C.
"Excluded vehicles" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations section 490.3.
"Fuel cell electric vehicle" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations section 490.501.
"Hybrid electric vehicle" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 86.1803-01.
"Light-duty motor vehicle" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations part 490.
"Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 40 Code of Federal Regulations part 86.1803‑01.
"Zero-emission vehicle" shall have the same meaning as contained in title 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 88.102-94."
SECTION 3. Section 286-102, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) A person operating the following category or combination of categories of motor vehicles shall be examined as provided in section 286-108 and duly licensed by the examiner of drivers:
(1) Mopeds;
(2) Motorcycles, except for autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2, and motor scooters;
(3) Passenger cars of any gross vehicle weight rating, buses designed to transport fifteen or fewer occupants, trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eighteen thousand pounds or less, and autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2; and
(4) All of the motor vehicles in category (3) and any vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle.
A school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van operator shall be properly licensed to operate the category of vehicles that the operator operates as a school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van and shall comply with the standards of the department of transportation as provided by rules adopted pursuant to section 286-181."
SECTION 4. Section 286-181, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (b) through (e) to read:
"(b) The department of transportation shall grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles, including motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, when the department finds that compliance with this section is:
(1) Impractical due to the unavailability of school vehicles; or
(2) Impractical due to economic factors.
No exemption shall be granted for the qualifications
of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and [such] the
individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications.
(c) The exemptions in subsection (b) shall be granted:
(1) To the department
of education to administer to [public] department schools based
on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education;
provided that the department of education shall submit a report to the
department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to
which these exemptions were [utilized;] used;
(2) To the state public charter school commission to administer public charter schools based on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the state public charter school commission shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were used;
[(2)] (3) To a board of independent schools,
which is registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, to
administer to private schools utilizing criteria developed by the departments
of transportation and education; provided that the board shall submit a report
to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the
extent to which these exemptions were utilized;
[(3) Only for] (4) For the transport of pupils to and
from school functions or school-related activities [but not], for
transportation to and from a school[;], and for transportation to and
from designated drop off locations and pick up locations established by the department
of education, in consultation with the department of transportation;
[(4)] (5) Only when each pupil being transported
has obtained a written statement from the pupil's parent or legal guardian
waiving the State's liability; and
[(5)] (6) In accordance with the procedures and
criteria established by rules of the department of transportation.
(d)
[The] Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the
department of transportation may grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other
than school vehicles [for the transportation of students requiring special
education and services], including the use of motorcoaches, small buses,
and vans that may not meet school bus regulations but shall otherwise meet
vehicle requirements and qualifications set forth in chapter 19-143, Hawaii
Administrative Rules, for school bus services, when an adult staff chaperone escorts
students being transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on-campus, when the department of transportation
finds that compliance with this section is impossible or impractical; provided
that an adult staff chaperone provided by the department of education escorts
students being transported between designated off-campus and designated
on-campus locations; provided further that no exemption shall be
granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in
section 286-2 and [such] the individuals shall meet school
vehicle driver qualifications.
(e) The department of transportation shall adopt safety rules and standards relating to school vehicles, equipment, and drivers, including but not limited to:
(1) School vehicle and school vehicle equipment design, construction, and identification;
(2) School vehicle driver qualification and training as required by law;
(3) School vehicle operation;
(4) School vehicle maintenance and maintenance records;
(5) Special school vehicle safety inspections;
(6) Criteria for passenger loading and unloading safety areas; and
(7) Procedures and criteria for the granting of exemptions permitted under subsections (b), (c), and (d);
provided that the rules and standards shall permit
the use of small buses [or], vans [weighing less than ten
thousand pounds], or motorcoaches for the transportation of pupils
of a public or private day care center, child care facility, headstart
program, [and] preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary
school, including any special school for children in the State with an
accompanying adult staff chaperone escort provided by the department of
education for students transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on‑campus or of school pupils and school staffs
to and from school-related activities."
2. By amending subsection (i) to read:
"(i) As used in subsection (b), a school vehicle is unavailable when it:
(1) Is being used during a specific time for contracted school-related transportation to and from school or related destinations;
(2) Fails that day's inspection and has not been repaired;
(3) Is already in transportation service; or
(4) Is committed for
transportation service[; or
(5) Does not meet
the requests of a school for a motorcoach with undercarriage storage
compartments and public address system; provided that the use of the motorcoach
shall be used solely for the transportation of middle, intermediate, or high
school student groups to and from school-related events or activities. As used in this paragraph,
"motorcoach" means a vehicle that carries more than twenty-five
passengers, has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000 pounds, and is
no more than fifteen years old]."
SECTION 5. Section 302A-407, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Any school bus contract between the State and the contractor shall include a provision requiring the contractor to equip the contractor's vehicles with the signs and visual signals described in section 291C-95(d) and (g). The contract shall also include other provisions as may be deemed necessary by the State for the safety of school bus passengers and shall include provisions requiring compliance with the rules and standards described in section 286-181. Beginning July 1, 2025, the State shall not enter into any school bus contract for a term that extends past January 1, 2045, unless the bus that is the subject of the contract is a zero emission bus. Beginning January 1, 2045, the State shall not enter into any school bus contract unless the bus that is the subject of the contract is a zero emission bus.
For the purposes of this subsection:
"Pollutant" means hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and lead.
"Zero emission bus" means a motor bus that produces zero exhaust emissions of any pollutant and includes battery- electric powered buses and hydrogen fuel cell-electric powered buses, but does not include any vehicle, locomotive, or car operated exclusively on a rail or rails."
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Department of Transportation; Department of Education; State Public Charter School Commission; School Bus Services; Student Transportation; Climate Change; Mass Transit; Zero Emissions; Small Buses, Motorcoaches, and Vans
Description:
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met. Requires State to upgrade to zero emission school buses by 2045. Requires the state agencies to prioritize zero emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicles. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
862 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the availability of school bus services is essential to student attendance. School bus services are particularly crucial for families who live in rural and remote areas, as well as students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. This shortage is impacting the State, forcing the suspension or partial suspension of school bus services to central Oahu and east Hawaii island. In the 2024-2025 school year, a total of one hundred thirty-eight routes were temporarily suspended, affecting nearly three thousand seven hundred twenty students who signed up for bus transportation.
The legislature further finds that, to address the shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii, the governor issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024 to allow the department of transportation to grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school buses to transport students. Specifically, this and subsequent related emergency proclamations allow for the transport of students using vehicles other than school vehicles by drivers possessing a commercial driver's license with an endorsement authorizing the driving of vehicles carrying passengers. The legislature believes that making this exemption permanent may help alleviate the lack of school bus drivers.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that certain provisions of the governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services is placed into statute by authorizing the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services; provided certain conditions are met.
SECTION 2. Section 286-102, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) A person operating the following category or combination of categories of motor vehicles shall be examined as provided in section 286-108 and duly licensed by the examiner of drivers:
(1) Mopeds;
(2) Motorcycles, except for autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2, and motor scooters;
(3) Passenger cars of any gross vehicle weight rating, buses designed to transport fifteen or fewer occupants, trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eighteen thousand pounds or less, and autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2; and
(4) All of the motor vehicles in category (3) and any vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle.
A school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van operator shall be properly licensed to operate the category of vehicles that the operator operates as a school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van and shall comply with the standards of the department of transportation as provided by rules adopted pursuant to section 286-181."
SECTION 3. Section 286-181, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (b) through (e) to read:
"(b) The department of transportation shall grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles, including motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, when the department finds that compliance with this section is:
(1) Impractical due to the unavailability of school vehicles; or
(2) Impractical due to economic factors.
No exemption shall be granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications.
(c) The exemptions in subsection (b) shall be granted:
(1) To the department
of education to administer to [public] department schools based
on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education;
provided that the department of education shall submit a report to the
department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to
which these exemptions were [utilized;] used;
(2) To the state public charter school commission to administer public charter schools based on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the state public charter school commission shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were used;
[(2)] (3) To a board of independent schools,
which is registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, to
administer to private schools utilizing criteria developed by the departments
of transportation and education; provided that the board shall submit a report
to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the
extent to which these exemptions were utilized;
[(3) Only for] (4) For the transport of pupils to and
from school functions or school-related activities [but not], for
transportation to and from a school[;], and for transportation to and
from designated drop off locations and pick up locations established by the
department of education, in consultation with the department of transportation;
[(4)] (5) Only when each pupil being transported
has obtained a written statement from the pupil's parent or legal guardian
waiving the State's liability; and
[(5)] (6) In accordance with the procedures and
criteria established by rules of the department of transportation.
(d)
[The] Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the
department of transportation may grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other
than school vehicles [for the transportation of students requiring special
education and services], including the use of motorcoaches, small buses,
and vans that may not meet school bus regulations but shall otherwise meet
vehicle requirements and qualifications set forth in chapter 19-143, Hawaii
Administrative Rules, for school bus services, when an adult staff chaperone
escorts students being transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on-campus, when the department of transportation
finds that compliance with this section is impossible or impractical; provided
that an adult staff chaperone provided by the department of education escorts
students being transported between designated off-campus and designated
on-campus locations; provided further that no exemption shall be
granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in
section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver
qualifications.
(e) The department of transportation shall adopt safety rules and standards relating to school vehicles, equipment, and drivers, including but not limited to:
(1) School vehicle and school vehicle equipment design, construction, and identification;
(2) School vehicle driver qualification and training as required by law;
(3) School vehicle operation;
(4) School vehicle maintenance and maintenance records;
(5) Special school vehicle safety inspections;
(6) Criteria for passenger loading and unloading safety areas; and
(7) Procedures and criteria for the granting of exemptions permitted under subsections (b), (c), and (d);
provided that the rules and standards shall permit
the use of small buses [or], vans [weighing less than ten
thousand pounds], or motorcoaches for the transportation of pupils
of a public or private day care center, child care facility, headstart
program, [and] preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary
school, including any special school for children in the State with an
accompanying adult staff chaperone escort provided by the department of
education for students transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on‑campus or of school pupils and school staffs
to and from school-related activities."
2. By amending subsection (i) to read:
"(i) As used in subsection (b), a school vehicle is unavailable when it:
(1) Is being used during a specific time for contracted school-related transportation to and from school or related destinations;
(2) Fails that day's inspection and has not been repaired;
(3) Is already in transportation service; or
(4) Is committed for
transportation service[; or
(5) Does not meet
the requests of a school for a motorcoach with undercarriage storage
compartments and public address system; provided that the use of the motorcoach
shall be used solely for the transportation of middle, intermediate, or high
school student groups to and from school-related events or activities. As used in this paragraph,
"motorcoach" means a vehicle that carries more than twenty-five
passengers, has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000 pounds, and is
no more than fifteen years old]."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Department of Transportation; Department of Education; State Public Charter School Commission; School Bus Services; Student Transportation; Small Buses, Motorcoaches, and Vans
Description:
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
862 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to transportation services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the availability of school bus services is essential to student attendance. School bus services are particularly crucial for families who live in rural and remote areas, as well as students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. This shortage is impacting the State, forcing the suspension or partial suspension of school bus services to central Oahu and east Hawaii island. In the 2024-2025 school year, a total of one hundred thirty-eight routes were temporarily suspended, affecting nearly three thousand seven hundred twenty students who signed up for bus transportation.
The legislature further finds that, to address the shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii, the governor issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024 to allow the department of transportation to grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school buses to transport students. Specifically, this and subsequent related emergency proclamations allow for the transport of students using vehicles other than school vehicles by drivers possessing a commercial driver's license with an endorsement authorizing the driving of vehicles carrying passengers. The legislature believes that making this exemption permanent may help alleviate the lack of school bus drivers.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that certain provisions of the governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services is placed into statute by authorizing the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services; provided certain conditions are met.
SECTION 2. Section 286-102, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) A person operating the following category or combination of categories of motor vehicles shall be examined as provided in section 286-108 and duly licensed by the examiner of drivers:
(1) Mopeds;
(2) Motorcycles, except for autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2, and motor scooters;
(3) Passenger cars of any gross vehicle weight rating, buses designed to transport fifteen or fewer occupants, trucks and vans having a gross vehicle weight rating of eighteen thousand pounds or less, and autocycles as described in paragraph (2) of the definition of "motorcycle" in section 286-2; and
(4) All of the motor vehicles in category (3) and any vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle.
A school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van operator shall be properly licensed to operate the category of vehicles that the operator operates as a school bus, small bus, motorcoach, or van and shall comply with the standards of the department of transportation as provided by rules adopted pursuant to section 286-181."
SECTION 3. Section 286-181, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (b) through (e) to read:
"(b) The department of transportation shall grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school vehicles, including motorcoaches, small buses, and vans, when the department finds that compliance with this section is:
(1) Impractical due to the unavailability of school vehicles; or
(2) Impractical due to economic factors.
No exemption shall be granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver qualifications.
(c) The exemptions in subsection (b) shall be granted:
(1) To the department
of education to administer to [public] department schools based
on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education;
provided that the department of education shall submit a report to the
department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to
which these exemptions were [utilized;] used;
(2) To the state public charter school commission to administer public charter schools based on criteria developed by the departments of transportation and education; provided that the state public charter school commission shall submit a report to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the extent to which these exemptions were used;
[(2)] (3) To a board of independent schools,
which is registered with the department of commerce and consumer affairs, to
administer to private schools utilizing criteria developed by the departments
of transportation and education; provided that the board shall submit a report
to the department of transportation at the end of each school year on the
extent to which these exemptions were utilized;
[(3) Only for] (4)
For the transport of pupils to
and from school functions or school-related activities [but not],
for transportation to and from a school[;], and for transportation to
and from designated drop off locations and pick up locations established by the
department of education, in consultation with the department of transportation;
[(4)] (5) Only when each pupil being transported
has obtained a written statement from the pupil's parent or legal guardian
waiving the State's liability; and
[(5)] (6) In accordance with the procedures and
criteria established by rules of the department of transportation.
(d)
[The] Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the
department of transportation may grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other
than school vehicles [for the transportation of students requiring special
education and services], including the use of motorcoaches, small buses,
and vans that may not meet school bus regulations but shall otherwise meet
vehicle requirements and qualifications set forth in chapter 19-143, Hawaii
Administrative Rules, for school bus services, when an adult staff chaperone escorts
students being transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on-campus, when the department of transportation
finds that compliance with this section is impossible or impractical; provided
that an adult staff chaperone provided by the department of education escorts
students being transported between designated off-campus and designated
on-campus locations; provided further that no exemption shall be
granted for the qualifications of individuals driving a bus as defined in
section 286-2 and such individuals shall meet school vehicle driver
qualifications.
(e) The department of transportation shall adopt safety rules and standards relating to school vehicles, equipment, and drivers, including but not limited to:
(1) School vehicle and school vehicle equipment design, construction, and identification;
(2) School vehicle driver qualification and training as required by law;
(3) School vehicle operation;
(4) School vehicle maintenance and maintenance records;
(5) Special school vehicle safety inspections;
(6) Criteria for passenger loading and unloading safety areas; and
(7) Procedures and criteria for the granting of exemptions permitted under subsections (b), (c), and (d);
provided that the rules and standards shall permit
the use of small buses [or], vans [weighing less than ten
thousand pounds], or motorcoaches for the transportation of pupils
of a public or private day care center, child care facility, headstart
program, [and] preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary
school, including any special school for children in the State with an
accompanying adult staff chaperone escort provided by the department of
education for students transported between designated locations off-campus and
designated locations on‑campus or of school pupils and school staffs
to and from school-related activities."
2. By amending subsection (i) to read:
"(i) As used in subsection (b), a school vehicle is unavailable when it:
(1) Is being used during a specific time for contracted school-related transportation to and from school or related destinations;
(2) Fails that day's inspection and has not been repaired;
(3) Is already in transportation service; or
(4) Is committed for
transportation service[; or
(5) Does not meet
the requests of a school for a motorcoach with undercarriage storage
compartments and public address system; provided that the use of the motorcoach
shall be used solely for the transportation of middle, intermediate, or high
school student groups to and from school-related events or activities. As used in this paragraph,
"motorcoach" means a vehicle that carries more than twenty-five
passengers, has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,000 pounds, and is
no more than fifteen years old]."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Department of Transportation; Department of Education; State Public Charter School Commission; School Bus Services; Student Transportation; Small Buses, Motorcoaches, and Vans
Description:
Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| May 30, 2025 | Act 140, on 05/30/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1240). |
| May 30, 2025 | Act 140, 05/30/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1240). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 213). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 213) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Morikawa, Muraoka; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Kidani; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Kanuha. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 5:15 PM; Conference Room 225. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 04-25-25 at 3:30PM in Conference Room 411. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 04-25-25 at 2:00PM in Conference Room 411. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 04-25-25 at 12:30PM in Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday, 04-25-25 at 11:30AM in Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-25-25 10:20AM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 859). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chair; Kidani Co-Chair; Kanuha. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 755). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Kila, Morikawa Co-Chairs; Muraoka. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Re-referred to TRN, FIN, referral sheet 33 |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 685) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1776) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-02-25 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1303) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA deferred the measure until 03-13-25 3:02PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-11-25 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Referred to TCA, WAM. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 128). |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 936), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 24, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 02-24-25 10:00AM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kitagawa, Ward excused (3). |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 579) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 11 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Garrett, Kapela, Kila, Olds, Sayama, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Tuesday, 02-11-25 2:01PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Referred to EDN, FIN, referral sheet 3 |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
|
Description
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Location
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Votes
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|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 2, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts |
Passed |
|
| Feb 28, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 24, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 11, 2025 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus | ** Support | |
| Department of Transportation | ** Support | |
| Department of Transportation | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Association of Independent Schools | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii Department of Transportation | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association | *** Support | Feb 24, 2025 |
| Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network Speaks! | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
| Pearl City Neighborhood Board | ** Support | |
| Roberts Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Soderholm Bus and Mobility | *** Against | Feb 11, 2025 |
| State Council on Developmental Disabilities | ** Support | |
| State Council on Developmental Disabilities | *** Support | Apr 2, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 213
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 862
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services, provided that certain conditions are met, pursuant to the Governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services;
(2) Require the State to upgrade to zero-emission school buses by 2045; and
(3) Require state agencies to prioritize zero-emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicles.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by reverting to the H.D. 1 version, which only authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services if certain conditions are met, and further amending the measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to upon approval; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
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ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
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____________________________ CHRIS LEE Chair |
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____________________________ DARIUS KILA Co-Chair |
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____________________________ MICHELLE N. KIDANI Co-Chair |
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____________________________ DEE MORIKAWA Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1776
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 862
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve school transportation.
More specifically, this measure:
(1) Authorizes the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services, provided that certain conditions are met, pursuant to the Governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services;
(2) Requires the State to upgrade to zero-emission school buses by 2045; and
(3) Requires state agencies to prioritize zero-emission buses in the procurement policy for purchasing or leasing motor vehicles.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and four individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education.
Your Committee recognizes the critical role of school bus services in education, especially for students in rural or disadvantaged areas, and the impact that the current nationwide shortage of school bus drivers in the State has had, including route suspensions. Your Committee finds that this measure aims to address this shortage by making permanent an emergency exemption that allows the use of alternative vehicles to transport students. Your Committee further finds that Hawaii's environment will benefit from the transition to zero-emission buses by 2045 and the prioritization of zero-emission vehicles in state procurement.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1303
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 862
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to ensure that certain provisions of the Governor's August 2024 emergency proclamation on school bus services are codified in statute by authorizing the use of motorcoaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Pearl City Neighborhood Board, Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools, Roberts Hawaii, and nine individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.
Your Committee finds that reliable and accessible school bus services promote student attendance, particularly for students living in rural and remote areas, as well as students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Your Committee further finds that there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers that is affecting the State, forcing the suspension of school bus services to central Oahu and east Hawaii Island.
Your Committee additionally finds that the Governor issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024 to address the shortage of school bus drivers by allowing the Department of Transportation to grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school buses to transport students; provided that the vehicle operator possesses a commercial driver's license with an endorsement authorizing the operation of vehicles carrying passengers. Your Committee believes that making this exemption permanent will effectively mitigate the effects of the shortage of school bus drivers in the State. Accordingly, this measure will improve student transportation services by authorizing the use of certain vehicles for school bus services under certain conditions.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Specifying that state agencies who purchase or lease buses seek vehicles that reduce dependence on petroleum‑based fuels;
(2) Defining the term "bus" for motor vehicle procurement requirements;
(3) Prohibiting the State from entering into any school bus contract if the school bus is not a zero emission bus beginning January 1, 2045;
(4) Defining the terms "pollutant" and "zero emission bus" for any school bus contract between the State and a contractor;
(5) Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose; and
(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,
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________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 936
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 862
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 579
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 862
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 862 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Soderholm Bus and Mobility. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.
Your Committee finds that the availability of school bus services is essential to student attendance, particularly for families who live in rural and remote areas, as well as students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. This shortage is forcing the suspension or partial suspension of school bus services across the State.
Your Committee further finds that, to address the shortage of school bus drivers in Hawaii, the Governor issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024 to allow the Department of Transportation to grant exemptions for the use of vehicles other than school buses to transport students. Specifically, this and subsequent related emergency proclamations allow for the transport of students using vehicles other than school vehicles by drivers possessing a commercial driver's license with an endorsement authorizing the driving of vehicles carrying passengers. Your Committee believes that making this exemption permanent will help alleviate the lack of school bus drivers in the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 862, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 862, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,
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____________________________ JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2025 | HB862_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-02-25_.PDF |
| Mar 11, 2025 | HB862_HD1_TESTIMONY_TCA_03-11-25_.PDF |
| Feb 24, 2025 | HB862_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-24-25_.PDF |
| Feb 11, 2025 | HB862_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-11-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
House Floor
2MIN
Conference Committee
8MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
3MIN
