HONOLULU (KHON2) -- We're just weeks away from the new school year and the school bus driver shortage is a continuing problem across the state. An event happening this weekend looks to change that.
Wake Up 2Day's Chris Latronic went live in Kapolei at Ground Transport Inc. to find out more about the issue and what's being done to help the situation.
KHON2 met with DJ Luna, Operations Manager for Ground Transport Inc. on Maui as the problem spread island-wide.
"There's a nationwide shortage so we need bus drivers all across the nation. Hawaii is no different, we just need more drivers," explained Luna. "We're having our second annual Drive a School Bus event happening at Kapolei High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can come down, get in with one of our trainers and get a chance to drive one of our big buses."
Hawaii isn't alone in its struggles to find more school bus drivers. Nationally, the number of school bus drivers has dropped 15% since 2019 and continues to worsen.
"The concern we have is providing the service to the people and getting new drivers in and training them to provide services for the students, getting them to and from school," said Anthony Valiente, Director of Operations.
Ground Transport Inc. is also offering incentives and new benefits to help make your decision.
"Hiring incentives are going to be $1,000 for van aides, $1,500 for van drivers and $3,000 for CDL bus drivers, with wage rates starting at $20 an hour for van aides, $23 an hour for van drivers and $32 an hour for CDL bus drivers. We also offer great benefits for woking with us which include medical insurance, dental and vision coverage. We also offer life insurance paid by the company along with paid holidays and vacations," explained Diana Kawaa-Leopoldo, HR Manager.
For more information, visit Ground Transport Inc.'s website or apply HERE.