Bill > SB636

This bill addresses enrollment challenges at the University of Hawaii at Hilo by appropriating state funds to create two new full-time positions and support student enrollment management initiatives. The bill recognizes that UH Hilo has experienced three consecutive years of declining fall enrollment, attributed to limited brand exposure outside Hawaii, difficulties retaining mainland students, and increased online educational opportunities. Specifically, the legislation will fund one full-time retention coordinator position and one full-time internship coordinator position, along with broader student enrollment management initiatives, for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The specific dollar amounts for these allocations are not specified in the bill text, but the funds will be drawn from the state's general revenues and will be managed by the University of Hawaii system. The bill is set to take effect on July 31, 2050, which appears to be a placeholder date typical in draft legislation. The overall purpose is to provide targeted resources to help UH Hilo address its enrollment challenges and improve student retention strategies.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=636&year=2026