Shortage of CDL School Bus Drivers on Maui Results in Temporary Route Modifications

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education today announced route modifications to school bus service for students at Maui High, Lahainaluna High, Baldwin High and ʻĪao Intermediate.

The modifications will go into effect on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 7, 2017.

Due to a shortage of school bus drivers with Commercial Drivers Licenses on Maui, bus routes will be temporarily consolidated or temporarily suspended as follows.

• At Maui High, certain bus routes will be temporarily consolidated which will mean longer wait times for students. Students affected will be provided a free school bus pass during the consolidation period.
• At Lahainaluna High, Baldwin High and ʻĪao Intermediate, all bus routes will be temporarily suspended until an adequate level of qualified CDL drivers are recruited. Routes will be restored as soon as new drivers begin service. Students affected will be eligible for a free monthly Maui Bus youth pass. Parents must submit a completed Form ST-70 (Application to Ride School Bus) to their school’s main office and, upon approval, the pass will be provided.

“HIDOE appreciates our students’ and parents’ patience during this time and services will be restored to normal as new drivers are hired,” said Donalyn Dela Cruz, HIDOE spokesperson.

“We are working diligently with school bus contractors to minimize the impacts to our students and we encourage any qualified CDL drivers on Maui to apply now with our Student Transportation Services Branch at 586-0170, as contractors are offering increased wages and signing bonuses to remedy this shortage before the first day of school,” said Dela Cruz.

School bus service for Special Education students at all schools will not be affected. For more information about the affected Maui routes, click here to view a Special Bulletin. Information about affected routes and future updates will be provided through school administrations and their websites.