STAND. COM. REP. NO. 441-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2255

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Lower & Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2255 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII PROMISE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Expand the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to provide scholarships for the unmet direct cost needs of qualified undergraduate students enrolled at a four-year campus of the University of Hawaii; and

(2) Appropriate funds to establish and implement the expanded program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System, University of Hawaii Alumni Association, Kamehameha Schools, Parents and Children Together, Associated Students of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Young Progressives Demanding Action, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Community Foundation, and nine individuals.

Your Committee finds that an educated labor force and engaged citizenry are essential in today's global, knowledge-based economy. However, cost remains a barrier for attending college, especially for families earning less than $30,000 annually. Although, there are many opportunities for financial aid, many need-based students remain unable to afford a college education, especially for those who do not qualify for the Hawaii Community College Promise Program because they are enrolled at one of the University of Hawaii's four-year campuses. This measure expands the Program to provide scholarships for need-based students enrolled in a four-year campus of the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Lower & Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2255, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2255, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair