Hawaii Senate Bill SCR21

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/11/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/8/22
• Report Pass: 4/18/22
• Refer: 4/18/22
• Report Pass: 4/22/22
• Passed: 4/25/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Conduct A Study On The Economic Impacts Of Domestic Out-of-state Students.

Impact

The resolution highlights the critical role of the education sector in diversifying and strengthening Hawaii's economy. By assessing the impacts of domestic out-of-state students, the study aimed to quantify their economic contributions, which may compare favorably to those of international students, who collectively have a notable economic footprint within the state. Findings from the assessment could result in policy recommendations that would support job growth and economic development initiatives targeted at attracting more out-of-state students to Hawaii.

Summary

SCR21 requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the economic impacts of domestic out-of-state students in Hawaii. This study aims to analyze the contribution that these students make to the state economy, mirroring a previous report that focused on international students, which revealed significant economic benefits from student spending. The resolution outlines the need to expand the analysis beyond international students to include all domestic students, with a focus on their economic activities and contributions, such as tuition and living expenses.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR21 appears to be positive, with supporters recognizing the importance of understanding the various economic impacts of student populations on Hawaii's economy. Stakeholders view the assessment as a valuable tool to inform future legislative decisions regarding education funding, resource allocation, and potentially creating incentives to attract more students. The reconciliation of diverse student demographics and their respective economic impacts demonstrates proactive governance focused on informed decision-making.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not state any points of contention directly, discussions around studies of this nature can raise questions regarding the focus and allocation of resources. Specifically, there may be debates about the prioritization of domestic students versus international students and how findings from such studies may influence educational policies. Furthermore, the implications of the study could necessitate broader discussions on how education can be leveraged to support economic growth and assist in job market alignment.