Bill > HCR162

This concurrent resolution urges the University of Hawaii to expand its existing tuition reduction policy for students from Pacific Island nations. Currently, the university offers students from certain Pacific Island jurisdictions that lack public baccalaureate institutions a reduced tuition rate of 150% of the resident rate, with a specific list including places like American Samoa, Kiribati, and Tonga. The resolution recommends further reducing this rate to 100% of the resident tuition rate for these students, which would make higher education more accessible. The Freely Associated States (Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau) already receive this 100% resident rate. The underlying motivation is to promote educational opportunities, cross-cultural exchange, and collaboration with Pacific Island neighbors. The resolution requests that the University of Hawaii System President receive a certified copy of this recommendation, signaling the legislature's strong support for expanding educational access for Pacific Island students.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=162&year=2025