STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3640

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 116

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.R. No. 116 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO REPORT ON THE PAMANTASAN COUNCIL'S SYSTEMWIDE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF FILIPINOS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the University of Hawaii to report on the Pamantasan Council's systemwide efforts to improve the status of Filipinos at the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from University of Hawaii Pamantasan Council, Tinalak Filipino Education Council, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, Sariling Gawa Youth Council, and twelve individuals.

Your Committee finds that Filipinos represent one-quarter of Hawaii's population, the second largest ethnic group in the State, the largest ethnicity in public schools, the third largest in community colleges, and the fourth largest at four-year campuses. However, Filipino students continue to be underrepresented at the undergraduate level and significantly underrepresented in graduate and professional degree programs. Additionally, Filipino faculty, who have also provided leadership and service to the State and Filipino community, are also underrepresented at all University of Hawaii campuses as many faculty members serve in temporary positions while critical, permanent faculty positions remain unfilled.

Your Committee further finds that throughout the University of Hawaii campuses, there are few Filipino-related courses such as Philippine languages, Philippine studies, and Filipinos in Hawaii that are offered. While the University of Hawaii received funding for two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) positions to support the Pamantasan Council and its activities at the University of Hawaii through Act 266, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic prevented the disbursement of funds. Addressing the lack of representation of Filipino students, faculty, and staff may provide the University of Hawaii System with information to increase representation; courses on Philippine languages, culture, and history; and the status of Filipinos at the University of Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 116 and recommends its adoption.

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

________________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair