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Posted: Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 8:56 AM HST

Audit blasts Hawaii school bus program management

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii Department of Education official says an audit blasting the agency over its school bus program comes as no surprise. The state audit says the department has "lost control" of the program and blames education officials for "ineffective and unsystematic" management that has resulted in spiraling costs. Money spent on student transportation has nearly tripled to $72.4 million since 2006. School facilities superintendent Ray L'Heureux says most "of the findings were fairly valid." State Auditor Marion Higa's report came as dozens of routes were eliminated or consolidated this school year because of a $17 million shortfall for student transportation. The report examined the period from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011. The audit highlighted concerns about anti-competitive contract bids, noting that in one instance, multiple bids were received on only one of 48 groups of solicited routes auditors reviewed.