Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR142

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

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.

Summary

HCR142 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Board of Education, to develop a plan for transitioning public school buses to electric buses. The resolution highlights the benefits observed in other districts, particularly the Oakland Unified School District, which has successfully implemented an electric bus fleet. The resolution emphasizes the potential for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved student attendance, and enhanced safety and operational efficiency through the adoption of electric buses.

Impact

If enacted, HCR142 would not create new laws but would encourage the Department of Education and the Board of Education to take actionable steps towards transitioning to electric school buses. This aligns with existing state laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy self-sufficiency. The resolution could lead to significant changes in transportation policies within the state's educational system, potentially influencing future funding and resource allocation for school transportation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR142 appears to be positive, as discussions highlight the numerous benefits of transitioning to electric buses, including environmental impact and improved student services. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of such a transition, including costs and infrastructure requirements, though these have not been explicitly documented in the available discussions or voting history.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the costs associated with transitioning to electric buses and the necessary infrastructure upgrades. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the initial investment required and whether the benefits will outweigh these costs. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the timeline for implementation and the potential disruption to existing transportation services during the transition period.

Companion Bills

HI HR134

Same As 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.

HI SCR101

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

HI HR100

Urging The Department Of Education To Strengthen Farm-to-school Initiatives.

HI HCR104

Urging The Department Of Education To Strengthen Farm-to-school Initiatives.

HI SCR117

Urging The Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee To Collaborate With The Department Of Education, Department Of Transportation, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

HI SR98

Urging The Department Of Education To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation, Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

HI HCR60

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, In Coordination With Appropriate State And County Departments Or Agencies, To Develop Methods To Estimate Costs Associated With Delays In Certain Public And Private Development Projects.

HI HR56

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, In Coordination With Appropriate State And County Departments Or Agencies, To Develop Methods To Estimate Costs Associated With Delays In Certain Public And Private Development Projects.

HI HCR86

Requesting The Department Of Education To Report On The Implementation Of Aloha-based Civic Education Initiatives In Hawaii's Public Schools.

HI HR80

Requesting The Department Of Education To Report On The Implementation Of Aloha-based Civic Education Initiatives In Hawaii's Public Schools.

HI HCR16

Urging The Department Of Education And Honolulu Police Department To Establish Junior Police Officer Programs Through School-police Partnerships In Schools.

HI HR16

Urging The Department Of Education And Honolulu Police Department To Establish Junior Police Officer Programs Through School-police Partnerships In Schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.