STAND. COM. REP. NO. 851

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 119

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 119, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NURSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to establish a bachelor of science in nursing degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Public Health Association, Hawaii - American Nurses Association, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawai'i State Center for Nursing, University of Hawaii Maui College, and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that a bachelor of science in nursing degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College would respond to the demand for nurses on Maui, create a more cost‑effective opportunity for Maui students to become nurses, increase earning potential for many individuals, and improve the quality of Maui medical care.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 119, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair