Hawaii Senate Bill SB1412

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Relating To The University Of Hawaii Promise Program.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly affect the educational landscape of Hawaii by providing additional financial resources to students from underserved communities. The funding appropriated through this initiative would contribute to reducing the financial barriers faced by students, allowing for greater access to higher education. It aligns with the state's goal of increasing the percentage of working-age adults with postsecondary degrees. The measures outlined in SB1412 are crucial in addressing the educational attainment gap within the state and enhancing workforce readiness.

Summary

SB1412 is a legislative proposal aimed at expanding the Hawaii Promise Program, which currently provides need-based awards for students enrolled at community colleges within the University of Hawaii system. This bill intends to extend scholarships to undergraduate students attending other campuses of the University of Hawaii, specifically at Manoa, Hilo, and West Oahu. The overarching goal is to meet the unmet financial needs of qualified students and support Hawaii's educational initiatives aimed at raising college graduation rates, particularly among native Hawaiians and low-income populations.

Contention

While the expansion of the Hawaii Promise Program is supported by various educational stakeholders, there may be concerns regarding the sourcing of the necessary funding for these scholarships. Critics could argue that the reliance on state revenues to support this initiative must be carefully managed to ensure sustainability without compromising other essential state services. Additionally, there is a need for transparent mechanisms to assess whether the funds are effectively reaching those who are most in need, thus ensuring that the program achieves its objectives without unnecessary bureaucracy.