STAND. COM. REP. NO. 403-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1751

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 H.B. No. 1751, 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 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; and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that this measure supports workforce retention within Hawaii by providing qualified Hawaii National Guard members with access to affordable graduate education at the University of Hawaii. This measure offers an additional pathway toward tuition assistance at the state level and offers greater chance for Hawaii National Guard members to apply their skills locally and continue serving the people 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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1751, 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