STAND. COM. REP. NO. 913

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2019

RE: H.B. No. 1277

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1277, H.D. 1, 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 increase the educational capital of Hawaii by increasing students' educational participation in and completion of a postsecondary education by:

(1) Expanding the Hawaii Promise Program (Program) to provide scholarships for the unmet direct cost needs of qualified undergraduates enrolled at a four-year campus of the University of Hawaii (UH), rather than limiting the Program to students attending UH community colleges; and

(2) Appropriating funds to UH for the expanded Program.

The University of Hawai‘i System, University of Hawai‘i Alumni Association, Democratic Party of Hawai‘i Education Caucus, Kamehameha Schools, and a concerned individual supported this measure. The Department of Education and Hawai‘i Educational Policy Center submitted comments on this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1277, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair