HONOLULU -- Parents preparing to send their children back to school should think about buying bus passes now, Department of Education officials said.

Officials estimated that about 10,000 students still must buy their passes. The DOE provided online help for parents at this Web site.

Most students head back to class in three weeks.

Bus rides cost 35 cents in most areas. Passes can be bought by the quarter or for the whole year.

The DOE said all families must fill out an application to get their pass, even if they are entitled to free bus fare.