STAND. COM. REP. NO.  478

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

RE:   H.B. No. 981

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 981 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COLLEGE-CREDIT EQUIVALENCY PROGRAMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the college-credit equivalency program at the University of Hawaii by:

     (1)  Requiring, rather than authorizing, the University to award credits for college-level learning gained from work or other life experiences, other than military service, which is already covered under current law; and

     (2)  Requiring the University of Hawaii to report to the Legislature on its progress in awarding such college credits.

Three concerned individuals supported this measure.  The University of Hawaii submitted comments. 

     Your Committee has amended the measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2525, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 981, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 981, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

ISAAC W. CHOY, Chair