STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1135

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1171

       H.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1171, H.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RELIEF FUNDING,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Board of Regents to use funds in the University of Hawaii Tuition and Fees Special Fund for student aid in direct response to an emergency or disaster, as declared by the Governor.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and University of Hawaiʻi Student Caucus.

 

     Your Committee finds that each University of Hawaii campus has institutional funds available for students facing emergencies and crises.  Your Committee further finds that these funds are noted on a student's account, which may cause the reduction or reversal of previously awarded scholarships or other forms of financial aid, leaving the student feeling penalized for receiving relief funds, which undermines the purpose of providing assistance in difficult times.  Your Committee also finds that allocating existing institutional funds specifically for disaster relief exempts these funds from being classified as financial assistance noted on a student's account.  This measure will enable the University of Hawaii to offer financial support to students without adverse effects, improving student retention and overall student success.

 

     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. 1171, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

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

 

 

 

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair