HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced Friday they will restore two previously school bus routes in East Hawaii beginning Monday, Feb. 10.

The routes, which serve Pāhoa High & Intermediate, Pāhoa Elementary, and Keonepoko Elementary, will provide transportation for approximately 36 students.

The specific routes are as follows:

• Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area:
  • Pāhoa High & Intermediate, Pāhoa Elementary – SR10A
  • Keonepoko Elementary – SR18A/B

With this restoration, a total of 122 school bus routes will have been reinstated, covering 88% of previously affected routes.

HIDOE said it’s continuing its efforts to restore the remaining 16 routes.

Ground Transport is actively recruiting new drivers to meet demand, using the governor’s emergency proclamation to expedite the hiring process.

The proclamation allows individuals with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a “P” endorsement, which permits passenger transport, to operate school buses temporarily.

The company is also exploring partnerships with other tour bus operators to increase capacity.

Further updates will be shared as additional routes are restored.