Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2943 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 177).

This bill establishes a Commercial Drivers Workforce Working Group within the Hawaii Department of Transportation to address the state's shortage of truck drivers and school bus operators. The group will consist of representatives from state agencies, county offices, and industry organizations to develop strategies for increasing awareness and creating career paths in the field. Its primary goal is to fill vacancies in the Department of Education's school bus routes and subsequently address needs in the private and public transportation sectors. By creating this collaborative body, the legislation aims to improve workforce planning and retention in a critical industry essential to Hawaii's economy and education system.