Roberts Hawaii drivers, including one employee from the Big Island, took home six of seven trophies awarded at the Hawaii Transportation Association’s (HTA) first formal competition for commercial passenger vehicle drivers. Held on June 16 at Leeward Community College, the contest challenged drivers from around the state to move large motor coaches, mini buses, school buses and other vehicles in a safe and professional manner.
The list of categories and winners follows:
— Passenger Vehicle Grand Champion, David Okumura, Roberts Hawaii (Hilo);
— Motor Coach Class Champion, David Okumura, Roberts Hawaii (Hilo);
— Passenger Vehicle Inspection Champion, Derek Luna, Roberts Hawaii (Maui);
— Mini Bus Champion, James Cabrera, Roberts Hawaii (Oahu);
— School Bus Champion, Kristine Kim, Roberts Hawaii (Maui);
— Special Education Vehicles Champion, Jolene Miller, Roberts Hawaii (Oahu);
— Bosses’ Champion, Tom Witt, Polynesian Adventure Tours (Kauai).
All competitors were required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a written exam, vehicle pre-trip inspection test and driving course.
“We’re very proud of our drivers and how well they did,” said Jennifer Hill, safety officer for Roberts Hawaii. “Fourteen of our drivers signed up for the challenge, including some who flew in from Maui, Kauai and the Big Island to compete. It really demonstrates their personal commitment to being safe and skillful drivers.”
The competition for passenger vehicle drivers is a new addition to the HTA’s annual Hawaii Truck Championship, a driving contest that’s been held for more than four decades.
