Education (Higher Education)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1337: Informing the Legislature that on July 13, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2338 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 235).

This bill updates the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to better align with recent federal financial aid regulations. It directly affects students enrolled at University of Hawaii community colleges by changing how their scholarship awards are calculated. Under the new rules, grants, scholarships, and other funding sources will no longer be subtracted from the program's award amount, allowing students to use those funds for indirect costs like housing and food instead. The legislation ensures that eligible students can receive scholarships covering ninety-five percent of their unmet direct cost needs while complying with federal guidelines.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands financial aid access by allowing funds for indirect costs like housing and food, strengthening student support at community colleges.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1255: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2802 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 154).

This bill establishes a new bachelor's degree program in agricultural science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu to support the state's goals for sustainable and diversified farming. To make this possible, the legislation appropriates $375,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover program setup, one full-time administrative position, and necessary supplies. The program is designated as a matter of statewide concern, and the funding is authorized to begin on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $375,000 to fund a new agricultural science degree program, directly increasing state spending on education and sustainable farming initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a new bachelor's degree program in agricultural science and appropriates $375,000 for program setup and administration, directly expanding higher education access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1239: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2171 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 138).

This bill, Act 138, authorizes the University of Hawaii to operate teaching laboratories that function as active businesses for student training without being hindered by county zoning laws or special use permit requirements. The legislation defines these "enterprise-related activities" as structured, educational operations like teaching hotels or culinary centers that provide hands-on, real-world experience and are secondary to the university's primary academic mission. While the university is exempt from certain land use regulations, it must still comply with all state and county safety, building, and health codes, and any revenue generated must be used to support the university's facilities and student scholarships.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing universities to operate practical training labs, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1281: Informing the Legislature that on June 26, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3238 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 179).

This bill establishes a new Language Access Education and Workforce Development Program within the University of Hawaii to train qualified translators and interpreters for the state. The program will offer both credit and non-credit courses covering translation ethics, public service interpretation, and will include paid internship opportunities through the Hele Imua program. Priority admission is given to high school graduates who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, while other applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The legislation appropriates $375,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to fund three full-time staff positions and program implementation across three campuses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a new education program at the University of Hawaii to train translators, offering courses and internships, which expands educational access and workforce development.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates a workforce development program to train translators/interpreters, expanding employment opportunities and skills in the labor sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Workforce Development

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 4, 2026

GM 1180: Informing the Legislature that on June 4, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2339 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 080).

This bill authorizes the University of Hawaii to issue up to $28.5 million in revenue bonds to fund capital projects such as new construction, renovations, and repairs of facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and student housing. The funds will be used to address the university's infrastructure needs, with the principal and interest on the bonds secured solely by university revenues rather than taxpayer money. Additionally, the legislation requires the university to notify the legislature of specific projects funded by the bonds and includes a provision to assist financially needy students in offsetting potential increases in room and board costs resulting from the new debt. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026, allowing the university to begin financing these priority construction and maintenance efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $28.5M in revenue bonds to fund university infrastructure, strengthening public education facilities without using taxpayer money.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes $28.5M in bonds to fund university infrastructure, including classrooms and student housing, directly strengthening educational facilities.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes university revenue bonds to fund student housing construction and renovations, directly increasing housing capacity.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 9, 2026

GM 1220: Informing the Legislature that on June 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2158 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 120).

This bill directs the University of Hawaii to create a public online dashboard that provides students and families with clear, comparable data on academic programs, including costs, time to degree, and post-graduation outcomes. The university must submit a preliminary report by December 2026 outlining its data inventory and implementation plan, followed by the launch of the dashboard and annual progress reports to the legislature. While the system is designed primarily to help prospective students make informed educational decisions, the data will also support evidence-based planning and program reviews within the university system.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances educational transparency by requiring a public dashboard for program costs and outcomes, aiding student decision-making.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate May 29, 2026

GM 1165: Informing the Legislature that on May 29, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2138 HD1 CD1 (ACT 065).

This bill formally notifies the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed SB2138 into law on May 29, 2026. The legislation expands tuition assistance under the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include company grade officers (ranks O-1 through O-3), in addition to enlisted personnel and warrant officers. It also clarifies that eligible recipients must be state residents and undergraduate or graduate students attending any University of Hawaii campus. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, pending the availability of funds.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands tuition assistance to National Guard officers, increasing educational access and funding for eligible students.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands tuition assistance to National Guard officers, directly strengthening veteran education benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 109: URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA KOKUA PROGRAM AND DISABILITY SERVICES ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

This bill urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Manoa Kokua Program and disability services across the university system, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and expansion. It requests the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on how to better improve student outreach and knowledge of disability support, focusing on specific issues like registration processes, classroom accommodations, building accessibility, and basic needs access. The university is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This resolution is a non-binding request that does not create new laws or funding but asks the university to assess its current services and propose changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill urges evaluation and improvement of disability services and student support programs, aiming to expand access and enhance educational accommodations for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 24: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON HAWAII'S FOOD MANUFACTURING STRENGTHS AND STRATEGIC MARKETS.

This bill requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on Hawaii's food manufacturing strengths and identify strategic export markets for high-value local products. The study will analyze competitive advantages, calculate minimum profit margins needed to offset Hawaii's high operational costs, and assess logistical barriers to international trade. It also directs the University of Hawaii to update its food innovation curriculum to teach entrepreneurs how to engineer products specifically for premium export markets. Additionally, the bill asks state agencies to collaborate on integrating study findings into existing workforce development programs and to propose policy changes that prioritize funding for businesses manufacturing identified high-value products.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs University of Hawaii to update food innovation curriculum, enhancing educational offerings and supporting entrepreneurship education75% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 132: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA TO ADOPT ENERGY SAVINGS PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING AS A PRIMARY STRATEGY TO ADDRESS DEFERRED MAINTENANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY STATEWIDE.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to study how mental health-related absences affect student attendance and well-being. The study will examine how often students miss school due to mental health concerns, review policies in other states that allow such absences, and evaluate whether recognizing these absences as excused could improve student outcomes. The Department of Education must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026. This bill does not change current attendance policies but instead requests data collection and analysis to inform potential future policy changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to study mental health absences to improve student well-being and attendance, supporting student welfare and educational access.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes mental health awareness by studying mental health-related absences, potentially improving student well-being and supporting mental health services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Health Mental Health

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