STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1496-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2138

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2138, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD STATE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Adjutant General to expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate degrees at the University of Hawaii for qualified enlisted personnel in the Hawaii National Guard.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System; Department of Defense; Hawaiʻi Army National Guard; Hawaii Military Affairs Council; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that graduate education plays a critical role in preparing National Guard members for existing and evolving workforce demands. Your Committee further finds that providing National Guard members with access to affordable graduate education at the University of Hawaii encourages them to remain in the State, apply their advanced skills locally, and continue serving Hawaii's communities in military and civilian capacities.

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 S.B. No. 2138, 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,

____________________________

ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair