Bill > HB869

This bill expands the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to provide financial assistance to all qualified students attending community colleges within the University of Hawaii system. The bill aims to increase access to higher education by removing previous financial need restrictions. To be eligible, students must be Hawaii residents, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), enroll in at least six credits per semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and have unmet direct cost needs. The scholarship will cover the student's unmet direct cost need after accounting for Pell grants and other scholarships, with the goal of making community college more affordable for students, particularly those from low-income families. The legislature cites research showing the positive correlation between higher education and improved economic and social outcomes, and notes that expanding the program could help increase Hawaii's college-going rate, especially among underrepresented ethnic groups. To support this expansion, the bill appropriates $20 million for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the funds to be administered by the University of Hawaii. The program will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to make community college more accessible and financially feasible for all qualified Hawaii residents.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=869&year=2026