STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2379

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2138

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2138 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent 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 Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System, Department of Defense, Hawaii National Guard, Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and nine individuals.

Your Committees find that the University of Hawaii's mission as the State's public system of higher education is to serve the State's workforce needs, support military-affiliated students, and strengthen the State's long-term human capital. Given the increasing educational and professional demands placed on members of the Hawaii National Guard, expansion of the State Tuition Assistance Program to include graduate education is essential and helps the University of Hawaii fulfill its mission.

Additionally, graduate education for members of the Hawaii National Guard supports workforce retention in the State by encouraging them to remain in the State, apply their advanced skills locally, and continue serving in both military and civilian capacities. For these reasons, this measure represents a strategic investment in leadership development, public service, and economic resilience.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Education that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2138 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Education,

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair

________________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair