STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3653

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2158

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2158, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to promote data‑informed decision making by providing University of Hawaii students, families, and policymakers with clear and actionable information on academic outcomes by program.

More specifically, this measure requires the University of Hawaii to:

(1) Collect certain program-level data for each academic program offered systemwide;

(2) Maintain a publicly accessible, systemwide online dashboard that presents the program-level data;

(3) Incorporate the program-level data into the Board of Regents' existing academic program review, planning, and prioritization processes; and

(4) Submit an annual report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that some program-level data for the campuses of the University of Hawaii is collected and used by the campuses for various purposes. Your Committee notes, however, that this data is incomplete and is not integrated or readily accessible to students, families, and policymakers. Your Committee believes that the coordinated collection, integration, and accessible presentation of program-level data required by this measure will better inform decision making and policy setting, and will provide vital information for consideration by students and families.

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 H.B. No. 2158, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair