Prepare for traffic increases - No school busses - with bonus Waipio lore

[Punatang]

This can't be good for the environment, families, traffic, our economy, etc..  Get used to having a lot more cars on the road.

https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/08/doe-ab...-students/

DOE Abruptly Cancels School Bus Routes For Thousands Of Hawaii Students

[HiloJulie]

I would say the perfect term to use in this matter is that "you get what you pay for!"

The treatment of these bus drivers could be considered a notch above legalized slavery. I could be more empathetic to the situation if there was a bus equipment shortage, which it is not - and when you consider a new school bus costs at a minimum 250 to 300 grand but we can't find, train and dispatch enough drivers - primarily due to being paid and treated poorly is just absurd.

But now, with this shortage, it's like its all of a sudden, a blank check. And to wake up 2 days before school starts and drop these cancellations on the lap of the parents involved is truly just as ridiculous.

Further, as Punatang's link says "...legislators did appropriate nearly $18.3 million to cover the increased cost of DOE’s contracts with transportation companies." And note the 18.3 mil is for INCREASED COSTS, not the total costs, which, hard as I tried, I could not find a number.

And here we sit. In traffic. 

Just more proof that the education of our children is, as some PunaWeb posters would call, "3rd world."

[leilanidude]

The treatment of these bus drivers could be considered a notch above legalized slavery.
-------------
They are paid $31 per hour but only get paid for 4 hours per day. There is a 2 hour minimum pay required for any "shift". Add to the issue that they have to have a CDL which means a clean driving record and no drug/alcohol convictions of any kind and maybe you understand why they can't get enough drivers. It isn't the pay. Not many folks can qualify.


MAJOR OFFENSES (HRS 286-240)
1. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, as prescribed by state law.
2. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
3. Driving a commercial motor vehicle while the person’s blood alcohol concentration is 0.04% or more.
4. Refusing to take an alcohol or drug test as required by a State or jurisdiction under its implied consent laws or regulations.
5. Leaving the scene of an accident (driving a motor vehicle).
6. A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle, other than “use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance”.
7. Driving a commercial motor vehicle when as a result of prior violations committed operating a CMV, the driver’s CDL is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or the driver is disqualified from operating a CMV.
8. Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle, including but not limited to the crimes of motor vehicle manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle and negligent homicide.
9. Use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance.
Penalties for convictions of Major Offenses (HRS 286-240)
Numbers 1-8 above
1st major offense
And the vehicle was not transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded: 1 year disqualification
And the vehicle was transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded: 3 years disqualification2nd and separate incident of any major offense
Life time disqualificationIncident after reinstatement
Life time disqualification not eligible for reinstatement
Number 9 above
Life time disqualification, not eligible for 10 year reinstatement
SERIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (HRS 286-231)
1. Speeds excessively, involving any speed of 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit.
2. Drives recklessly, as defined by State or local law or regulation, including but not limited to offenses of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
3. Makes improper or erratic traffic lane changes.
4. Follows the vehicle ahead too closely.
5. Violates State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control arising in connection with a fatal accident.
6. Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL.
7. Driving a CMV without a current CDL in the driver’s possession.
8. Driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle group being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo being transported.
Penalties for convictions of Serious Offenses (HRS 286-240)
1st conviction
No disqualification2nd conviction of a separate incident of an offense in this table during a 3-year period
60 days disqualification3rd or subsequent conviction of any offense in this table in a separate incident during a 3-year period
120 days disqualification

[randomq]

Less union employees = more contracts for Roberts Hawaii. It's a lucrative business, picking up the state's slack.

[HiloJulie]

The treatment of these bus drivers could be considered a notch above legalized slavery.
-------------
They are paid $31 per hour but only get paid for 4 hours per day. There is a 2 hour minimum pay required for any "shift". Add to the issue that they have to have a CDL which means a clean driving record and no drug/alcohol  convictions of any kind and maybe you understand why they can't get enough drivers. It isn't the pay. Not many folks can qualify.

So, they are effectively being paid 15.50 an hour for an 8 hour day. Due to the split shift, a second job is almost impractical.

I don’t think the rules of CDL licensing needs to be changed, unless transporting our kids to and from school in a bus being driven by drivers with one or more DUI’s or those who can’t pass a drug test is acceptable.

I also guarantee you that the DOE has a minimum of 4 to 6 “management” employees directly responsible to oversee the transportation companies statewide that are all paid in excess of 100 grand a year. I wonder what their driving record would reveal?

[Wao nahele wahine]

We had to head up to Pahoa unexpectedly yesterday afternoon to pick up a package.  The backup both directions on Kahakai Blvd near Keonepoko Elementary was the worst we have ever seen.  It was easily over a mile back up for the folks heading down Kahakai from Pahoa. 

I hope no one needs emergency services during these back ups. So much mismanagement...

Lots of online discussions about students being advised to ride Hele On and parents scrambling to carpool.  Pahoa High School and Intermediate School have supplied two small busses to transport students in Hawaiian Beaches and Ainoloa.  Unfortunately, those busses only transport 12 students at a time. The busses will make multiple trips. 

I've also heard that appointments for CDL licensing are backed up 2-3 weeks. 

Did anyone hear anything about a bus driver shortage before last week?

[Punatang]

The climate lawsuit must not have addressed this.  How many cars does it take to equal a gnarly diesel schoolbus' emissions?  Homeschooling rules!

[HiloJulie]

Excellent points Ms Wao and Punatang! Any yes, my husband got caught up in that same Pahoa traffic mess as well. 

But think about the tremendous return on investment on the quarter of a million plus for EACH school bus now sitting idle in a base yard. Our tax dollars at work! 

I can also hear the CDL license testing clerk rejecting a certified copy of a birth certificate because they “can’t feel the bumps” of the impressed seal.

[ironyak]

Wao nahele wahine - Did anyone hear anything about a bus driver shortage before last week?
From how the coverage has been, it seems like a last moment surprise so something may have fallen through last minute. The problem in general has been known for a long time though - CB Mar 2024 - No End in Sight for School Bus Shortage, DOE Jul 2023 - Ongoing school bus driver shortage, BIN Jan 2022 - Big Island Down School Bus Routes, etc...

Historically, it's been a bit of a chronic issue (no, not like that punatang) both from underfunding and due to non-compete strategies of the service providers.

punatang
- The climate lawsuit must not have addressed this.
The plan for changes is just getting started? It's math and science, not magic, so once again, set your impossible expectations aside.

- How many cars does it take to equal a gnarly diesel schoolbus' emissions?
With a fully loaded bus, about 36 apparently. Hopefully we can get some of those electric buses, similar to those being using for Hele-on, so kids aren't being exposed to diesel fumes.

- Homeschooling rules!
Hey, we agree! :) When it works for the kid and family, homeschooling can be great. Some of the local schools also have online & hybrid programs worth considering where kids work independently at their own pace at home and/or at school as needed, but have access to teachers, councilors, and student groups and sports as desired.

[Wao nahele wahine]

One of my neighbors was a school bus driver for the previous school year.  He posted often about broken down busses and waiting for assistance.  He was on several routes and enjoyed his interactions with most of the students.  He moved on to other bussing jobs that were a better fit for his personal life. 

Add me to the homeschooling rules crowd.  All of my neighbors on my road homeschool.  It's a great bunch of kids.

Ironyak, mahalo for the links.