STAND. COM. REP. NO. 578-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 426

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 426, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TUITION WAIVERS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the University of Hawai‘i System, including its community colleges, to waive tuition for the dependent children of disabled veterans; active members of the armed forces or members of the National Guard members who were killed in action; or Purple Heart medal recipients, alive or deceased, awarded in 2001 or later, subject to certain requirements.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Office of Veterans Services, Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System.

Your Committee finds that this measure seeks to offset some of the financial and personal hardships that may be experienced by a dependent child of a service member who was disabled, killed in action, or awarded a Purple Heart medal. Your Committee firmly believes that these hardships should not deprive a child from pursuing a post-secondary education if the child so chooses. Your Committee further finds that the tuition waiver recognizes the sacrifice of the service member and honors the member's service to our nation.

Your Committee notes that although the University of Hawai‘i testified that certain federal scholarships and programs are available to the children or spouses of deceased members of the armed forces, this measure broadens eligibility by including the children of service members who may have been wounded in action or who are totally and permanently disabled because of their military service.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 426, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair