Hawaii House Bill HB873

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To The University Of Hawaii Promise Program.

Impact

The expansion of the Hawaii Promise Program through HB 873 will directly address unmet financial needs of students enrolled in undergraduate programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and University of Hawaii-West Oahu. By appropriating funds for scholarships, this bill aims to alleviate barriers to education that are primarily faced by low-income students who do not qualify for current aid programs. This change is considered essential in achieving Hawaii's goal of having 55% of working-age adults attain postsecondary degrees by 2025.

Summary

House Bill 873 seeks to expand the Hawaii Promise Program, which currently provides need-based awards for students at community colleges to include qualified undergraduate students at four-year University of Hawaii campuses. The bill is in alignment with the state's Hawaii graduation initiative, which aims to enhance the educational capital of Hawaii by increasing enrollment and graduation rates among particularly underserved populations, including Native Hawaiians and low-income individuals. This initiative is driven by the context of rising tuition costs and the need for a more educated workforce to support Hawaii's economy.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported for its potential to increase access to higher education, there may be debates around the sustainability of funding these scholarships and ensuring that they are adequate to meet the actual needs of the students. Additionally, discussions will likely involve how this shift from community college-focused funding to include four-year institutions may affect the existing allocations and support for community colleges within the state. Stakeholders are focused on making sure that all campuses can effectively cater to the needs of students without compromising the quality of education.