Hawaii Senate Bill SR32

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Report Pass: 3/31/25
• Passed: 4/1/25

Caption

Urging The University Of Hawaii President And Board Of Regents To Establish A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program At The University Of Hawaii Maui Campus.

Impact

Currently, the University of Hawaii Maui College offers only a Practical Nurse Certificate of Achievement and an Associate in Science in Nursing degree, which prepares students for entry-level nursing positions. However, the resolution notes that there is a significant gap in the progression from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree within the existing Hawaii Statewide Nursing Consortium, as less than 20% of graduates from the associate program continue to further their education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, often due to local workforce commitments.

Summary

Senate Resolution 32 (SR32) urges the University of Hawaii President and Board of Regents to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Hawaii Maui College. This resolution is a response to the increasing demand for healthcare services resulting from a growing and aging population in the County of Maui. There is a recognized need for highly qualified nursing professionals to meet the healthcare demands of the local community.

Contention

Establishing a dedicated BSN program at the Maui campus is expected to create a seamless educational pathway for local residents, facilitating greater access to advanced nursing education. This initiative would address the ongoing nurse shortage across the state, particularly in Maui, where there are ample clinical placements available for nursing students, unlike Oahu where enrollment in existing nursing schools remains constrained. The resolution emphasizes the need for appropriate resources and support from the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to implement this program effectively.