STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1579-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 49

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.R. No. 49 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII BOARD OF REGENTS TO CONDUCT A SYSTEMWIDE ASSOCIATE DEGREE COMPLETION AUDIT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii to conduct a systematic associate degree completion audit.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Your Committee finds that due to several factors including transfer patterns, financial hardship, life circumstances, and administrative barriers, many students at the University of Hawaii earn sufficient credits to meet associate degree requirements but leave the University of Hawaii System without receiving a credential. Your Committee further finds that awarding earned credentials helps increase post-secondary degree attainment, ultimately strengthening Hawaii's workforce and improving long-term economic resilience. This measure will help identify current and former students who have accumulated sufficient credits to qualify for an associate degree while exploring pathways for awarding earned associate degrees to eligible students.

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 H.R. No. 49 and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair