Despite assumptions by at least one Board of Education representative that most parents oppose the proposal to increase school bus fares, the one person who commented at Tuesday night’s public hearing said he supported it. The poor turnout was not
Despite assumptions by at least one Board of Education representative that most parents oppose the proposal to increase school bus fares, the one person who commented at Tuesday night’s public hearing said he supported it.
The poor turnout was not such a surprise to those from the BOE and DOE representatives who were required to be there.
Islandwide rainfall and partial flooding was blamed for the lack of public action. Also, Kaua’i’s meeting was only the fourth of a statewide series of 13.
“For me it’s monetarily feasible to take my kids to school,” David Okinaki said.
Okinaki expressed concerns over traffic buildup caused by more and more parents also bringing their children to school.
Sherwood Hara, Kaua’i and Ni’ihau’s representative to the Board of Education, has publicly opposed the 100 percent increase, and said he hoped more people would express their opinions about student transportation, too.
Proposed changes include a 100 percent increase, raising the price from 25 cents to 50 cents per trip. Under the Chapter 27 “transportation of students” proposal, parents who purchase prepaid bus fare would receive a five percent discount.
Also, generic bus passes issued would ensure the anonymity of students who receive free or reduced bus fares. A mileage transportation reimbursement of 32.5 cents per mile for motor vehicles and 15 cents for two-wheeled vehicles may be made available to parents who drive their children to school.
Cynthia Kawachi, acting student transportation services manager, said that residents can still submit written testimony to the Board of Education until June 14.
Staff Writer Kendyce Manguchei can be reached at kmanguchei @pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 252).
