This bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and City and County of Honolulu to improve safety at the crosswalk near Mililani ʻIke Elementary School where students cross Meheʻula Parkway and Kuaoʻa Street. The resolution requests specific safety measures including speed bumps, warning signage, and a solar-powered rapid flashing crosswalk sign to alert drivers of pedestrians. It cites concerns about high traffic volumes and previous near-miss incidents involving students in the area. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new laws but formally asks state and local agencies to address the identified safety hazards.
Requires, rather than authorizes, the Department of Education to develop and administer a Traffic Safety Education Program. Requires the Department of Education's Traffic Safety Education program to include electric bicycles. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Requires the Department of Education to develop, adopt, and implement a standardized emergency response plan governing immigration enforcement activity at or within one thousand feet of public schools and adopt policies and procedures to address immigration enforcement activity at certain school-related location and events. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Hawaii's SB 2202 establishes a comprehensive program to address the state's shortage of school bus drivers by creating financial incentives and support systems for recruitment and retention. The bill authorizes grants to help candidates cover the costs of obtaining commercial driver's licenses and learner's permits, funded through a new special account that accepts legislative appropriations and federal grants. It also introduces a repayment signing bonus structure where new hires receive $1,000 upon hiring, with additional payments at six months and one year of service, though drivers who leave before completing three years must repay the initial bonus. Furthermore, the Department of Education is required to launch a three-year outreach program featuring recruitment campaigns and workforce development partnerships, while submitting quarterly reports to the legislature on driver vacancies, wages, and program expenditures.
Prohibits the Department of Education from mandating that any student attend a school outside the student's service area. Establishes a 5 year phaseout period. Requires the DOE to submit annual progress reports.
SB 3234 appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install all-way crosswalks at locations directly adjacent to school properties. This bill directly affects schools, students, and staff by funding physical safety infrastructure at school entrances and exits. The key provision requires the Department of Transportation to use allocated money for these specific crosswalk installations. The bill is currently under review by the TRS and WAM committees, with a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026.
Requires the Department of Education to establish a student bus fare rate system that includes free school bus passes for students who meet certain statutory requirements. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Education to hire a new contractor or contractors with the Governor's approval if a contractor under a student transportation contract fails to provide service on a contracted route for five or more consecutive instructional days. Requires the DOE to assess a penalty if a contractor fails to provide service on a contracted route without an approved justification. Specifies that the assessed penalties be deposited into the School Bus Fare Revolving Fund. Beginning 7/1/2026, requires all requests for proposals issued and contracts executed by the DOE for student transportation services to specifically reference certain new provisions. Authorizes the use of the School Bus Fare Revolving Fund to offset costs associated with procuring replacement services. Requires quarterly reports to the Legislature. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Education to establish a School Bus Driver Recruitment Grant Program. Establishes a School Bus Driver Recruitment Special Fund. Establishes a Repayment Signing Bonus Program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
SB 1196 establishes a fee on ridesharing services (like Uber or Lyft) within the state. The funds collected from this fee are required to be deposited into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. This program supports concrete infrastructure improvements, such as safer crosswalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways near schools. The bill directly affects ridesharing companies operating in the state and benefits students and communities by funding school safety infrastructure.
