URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION THE SCHOOL BUSES USED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO ELECTRIC BUSES TO EXPAND THE BENEFITS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED IN OTHER PLACES.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning school buses used for public transportation to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this request. It calls for collaboration with districts that have already made the switch, such as Oakland, to evaluate potential benefits including reduced emissions, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requires a report with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature by the end of 2026.