HB 2338: University of Hawaii; Hawaii Community College Promise Program
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-07-14: Act 235, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1337).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants by amending the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii Promise) to provide scholarships for ninety-five percent of a student's unmet direct cost need and exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii Promise awards, thereby allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Changes Hawaii Promise from being a last-dollar award. Authorizes Hawaii Promise to coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students. Effective 7/1/2026. (CD1)
Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants by amending the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii Promise) to provide scholarships for ninety-five percent of a student's unmet direct cost need and exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii Promise awards, thereby allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Changes Hawaii Promise from being a last-dollar award. Authorizes Hawaii Promise to coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Amends the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii promise) to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii promise awards, allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants. Changes Hawaii promise from being a last-dollar award. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Amends the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii promise) to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii promise awards, allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants. Changes Hawaii promise from being a last-dollar award.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2338 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaii community college promise program (Hawaii promise) was created to cover the unmet direct costs of attendance for eligible students enrolled at any university of Hawaii community college. Existing law requires the inclusion of all grants, scholarships, and other funding sources when calculating Hawaii promise awards, which can reduce the benefit to students.
The legislature further finds that removing grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the Hawaii promise award calculation will allow students to apply such funds toward indirect cost needs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, thereby reducing financial barriers, promoting equitable access to higher education, and providing better support for students in completing their academic programs.
The legislature finds that recent changes to the federal Pell Grant require updates to Hawaii promise to ensure awarding practices continue to prioritize students and maximize the support they receive.
The legislature also finds that in accordance with article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution, this Act involves a matter of statewide concern.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to amend:
(1) Hawaii promise to:
(A) Maximize the financial support for students while aligning with federal regulations;
(B) Exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of awards; and
(C) Provide scholarships for ninety-five per cent of a student's unmet direct cost needs; and
(2) The definition of "direct cost" to align more closely with federal financial aid regulations.
SECTION 2. Section 304A-506, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§304A-506 Hawaii community college promise program;
established. (a) Notwithstanding section 304A-501, there is
established the Hawaii community college promise program to be administered by
the board of regents. The program shall
provide scholarships for ninety-five per cent of the unmet direct cost
needs of qualified students enrolled at any community college campus of the [University]
university of Hawaii.
(b) A student enrolled at a community college campus shall be eligible for scholarship consideration for a maximum of eight semesters if the student:
(1) Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;
(2) Completes
and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year
and accepts all federal and state aid[, grants, scholarships, and other
funding sources] that do not require repayment; provided that this
paragraph shall not apply to a student who enrolls in a certificate program;
(3) Is enrolled in a classified degree or certificate program with six or more credits per semester;
(4) Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by federal requirements established pursuant to title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and determined by the campus at which the student is enrolled; and
(5) Has been determined by the campus to have unmet direct cost needs.
(c) Scholarships shall be awarded to the extent possible based on available funds and on a greatest need basis. An award granted to a student shall be equal to ninety-five per cent of the student's unmet direct cost need, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid calculation of need, less the amounts available to the student from Pell grants and other scholarships; provided that the unmet direct cost need for a student who enrolls in a certificate program shall be based on a suitable instrument, as determined by the university of Hawaii, less the amounts available to the student from grants and other scholarships.
(d) To maintain a scholarship under this section, a student shall meet the requirements of subsection (b)(4).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, effective July 1, 2026, the Hawaii community college promise program may coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students.
(f) If any provision of this section conflicts with federal financial aid regulations or federal law, the Hawaii community college promise program shall be administered in a manner that preserves students' eligibility for federal aid while providing the maximum permissible state assistance.
[(e)] (g) As used in this section, "direct
cost" means any cost directly related to a student's education, including
tuition[; educational fees; and the costs of books, supplies, and
transportation between the student's dwelling and the student's campus.],
fees, books, and supplies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Community College Promise Program
Description:
Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants by amending the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii Promise) to provide scholarships for ninety-five percent of a student's unmet direct cost need and exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii Promise awards, thereby allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Changes Hawaii Promise from being a last-dollar award. Authorizes Hawaii Promise to coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students. Effective 7/1/2026. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2338 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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|
|
|
|
|
||
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|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaii community college promise program (Hawaii promise) was created to cover the unmet direct costs of attendance for eligible students enrolled at any university of Hawaii community college. Existing law requires the inclusion of all grants, scholarships, and other funding sources when calculating Hawaii promise awards, which can reduce the benefit to students.
The legislature further finds that removing grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the Hawaii promise award calculation will allow students to apply such funds toward indirect cost needs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, thereby reducing financial barriers, promoting equitable access to higher education, and providing better support for students in completing their academic programs.
The legislature finds that recent changes to the federal Pell Grant require updates to Hawaii promise to ensure awarding practices continue to prioritize students and maximize the support they receive.
The purpose of this Act is to amend:
(1) Hawaii promise to:
(A) Maximize the financial support for students while aligning with federal regulations;
(B) Exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of awards; and
(C) Provide scholarships for ninety-five per cent of a student's unmet direct cost needs; and
(2) The definition of "direct cost" to align more closely with federal financial aid regulations.
SECTION 2. Section 304A-506, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§304A-506 Hawaii community college promise program;
established. (a) Notwithstanding section 304A-501, there is
established the Hawaii community college promise program to be administered by
the board of regents. The program shall
provide scholarships for ninety-five per cent of the unmet direct cost
needs of qualified students enrolled at any community college campus of the [University]
university of Hawaii.
(b) A student enrolled at a community college campus shall be eligible for scholarship consideration for a maximum of eight semesters if the student:
(1) Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;
(2) Completes
and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year
and accepts all federal and state aid[, grants, scholarships, and other
funding sources] that do not require repayment; provided that this
paragraph shall not apply to a student who enrolls in a certificate program;
(3) Is enrolled in a classified degree or certificate program with six or more credits per semester;
(4) Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by federal requirements established pursuant to title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and determined by the campus at which the student is enrolled; and
(5) Has been determined by the campus to have unmet direct cost needs.
(c) Scholarships shall be awarded to the extent possible based on available funds and on a greatest need basis. An award granted to a student shall be equal to ninety-five per cent of the student's unmet direct cost need, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid calculation of need, less the amounts available to the student from Pell grants and other scholarships; provided that the unmet direct cost need for a student who enrolls in a certificate program shall be based on a suitable instrument, as determined by the university of Hawaii, less the amounts available to the student from grants and other scholarships.
(d) To maintain a scholarship under this section, a student shall meet the requirements of subsection (b)(4).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, effective July 1, 2026, the Hawaii community college promise program may coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students.
(f) If any provision of this section conflicts with federal financial aid regulations or federal law, the Hawaii community college promise program shall be administered in a manner that preserves students' eligibility for federal aid while providing the maximum permissible state assistance.
[(e)] (g) As used in this section, "direct
cost" means any cost directly related to a student's education, including
tuition[; educational fees; and the costs of books, supplies, and
transportation between the student's dwelling and the student's campus.],
fees, books, and supplies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Community College Promise Program
Description:
Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants by amending the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii Promise) to provide scholarships for ninety-five percent of a student's unmet direct cost need and exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii Promise awards, thereby allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Changes Hawaii Promise from being a last-dollar award. Authorizes Hawaii Promise to coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2338 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaii community college promise program (Hawaii promise) was created to cover the unmet direct costs of attendance for eligible students enrolled at any university of Hawaii community college. Current law requires the inclusion of all grants, scholarships, and other funding sources when calculating Hawaii promise awards, which can reduce the benefit to students.
The legislature further finds that removing grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the Hawaii promise award calculation will allow students to apply such funds toward indirect cost needs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, thereby reducing financial barriers, promoting equitable access to higher education, and providing better support for students in completing their academic programs.
The legislature finds that recent changes to the federal Pell Grant require updates to Hawaii promise to ensure awarding practices continue to prioritize students and maximize the support they receive.
The purpose of this Act is to amend:
(1) Hawaii promise to maximize the financial support for students while aligning with federal regulations and to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of awards; and
(2) The definition of "direct cost" to align more closely with federal financial aid regulations.
SECTION 2. Section 304A-506, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§304A-506 Hawaii community college promise program; established. (a) Notwithstanding section 304A-501, there is established the Hawaii community college promise program to be administered by the board of regents. The program shall provide scholarships for the unmet direct cost needs of qualified students enrolled at any community college campus of the University of Hawaii.
(b) A student enrolled at a community college campus shall be eligible for scholarship consideration for a maximum of eight semesters if the student:
(1) Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;
(2) Completes
and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year
and accepts all federal and state aid[, grants, scholarships, and other
funding sources] that do not require repayment; provided that this
paragraph shall not apply to a student who enrolls in a certificate program;
(3) Is enrolled in a classified degree or certificate program with six or more credits per semester;
(4) Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by federal requirements established pursuant to title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and determined by the campus at which the student is enrolled; and
(5) Has been determined by the campus to have unmet direct cost needs.
(c) Scholarships shall be awarded to the extent possible based on available funds and on a greatest need basis. An award granted to a student shall be equal to the student's unmet direct cost need, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid calculation of need, less the amounts available to the student from Pell grants and other scholarships; provided that the unmet direct cost need for a student who enrolls in a certificate program shall be based on a suitable instrument, as determined by the university of Hawaii, less the amounts available to the student from grants and other scholarships.
(d) To maintain a scholarship under this section, a student shall meet the requirements of subsection (b)(4).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, effective July 1, 2026, the Hawaii community college promise program may coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students.
(f) If any provision of this section conflicts with federal financial aid regulations or federal law, the Hawaii community college promise program shall be administered in a manner that preserves students' eligibility for federal aid while providing the maximum permissible state assistance.
[(e)] (g) As used in this section, "direct
cost" means any cost directly related to a student's education, including
tuition[; educational fees; and the costs of books, supplies, and
transportation between the student's dwelling and the student's campus.],
fees, books, and supplies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act, upon its approval, shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Community College Promise Program
Description:
Amends the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii promise) to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii promise awards, allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants. Changes Hawaii promise from being a last-dollar award. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2338 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaii community college promise program (Hawaii promise) was created to cover the unmet direct costs of attendance for eligible students enrolled at any university of Hawaii community college. Current law requires the inclusion of all grants, scholarships, and other funding sources when calculating Hawaii promise awards, which can reduce the benefit to students.
The legislature further finds that removing grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the Hawaii promise award calculation will allow students to apply such funds toward indirect cost needs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, thereby reducing financial barriers, promoting equitable access to higher education, and providing better support for students in completing their academic programs.
The legislature finds that recent changes to the federal Pell Grant require updates to Hawaii promise to ensure awarding practices continue to prioritize students and maximize the support they receive.
The purposes of this Act are to amend Hawaii promise to maximize the financial support for students while aligning with federal regulations; to amend Hawaii promise to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of awards; and to amend the definition of "direct cost" to align more closely with federal financial aid regulations.
SECTION 2. Section 304A-506, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§304A-506 Hawaii community college promise program; established. (a) Notwithstanding section 304A-501, there is established the Hawaii community college promise program to be administered by the board of regents. The program shall provide scholarships for the unmet direct cost needs of qualified students enrolled at any community college campus of the University of Hawaii.
(b) A student enrolled at a community college campus shall be eligible for scholarship consideration for a maximum of eight semesters if the student:
(1) Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;
(2) Completes
and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year
and accepts all federal and state aid[, grants, scholarships, and other
funding sources] that do not require repayment; provided that this
paragraph shall not apply to a student who enrolls in a certificate program;
(3) Is enrolled in a classified degree or certificate program with six or more credits per semester;
(4) Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by federal requirements established pursuant to title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and determined by the campus at which the student is enrolled; and
(5) Has been determined by the campus to have unmet direct cost needs.
(c) Scholarships shall be awarded to the extent possible based on available funds and on a greatest need basis. An award granted to a student shall be equal to the student's unmet direct cost need, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid calculation of need, less the amounts available to the student from Pell grants and other scholarships; provided that the unmet direct cost need for a student who enrolls in a certificate program shall be based on a suitable instrument, as determined by the university of Hawaii, less the amounts available to the student from grants and other scholarships.
(d) To maintain a scholarship under this section, a student shall meet the requirements of subsection (b)(4).
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, effective July 1, 2026, the Hawaii community college promise program may coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students.
(f) If any provision of this subpart conflicts with federal financial aid regulations or federal law, the Hawaii community college promise program shall be administered in a manner that preserves students' eligibility for federal aid while providing the maximum permissible state assistance.
[(e)] (g) As used in this section, "direct
cost" means any cost directly related to a student's education, including
tuition[; educational fees; and the costs of books, supplies, and
transportation between the student's dwelling and the student's campus.],
fees, books, and supplies."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act, upon its approval, shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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BY REQUEST |
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Community College Promise Program
Description:
Amends the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii promise) to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii promise awards, allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants. Changes Hawaii promise from being a last-dollar award.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 235, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1337). |
| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 235, 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1337). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 106-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 106-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 29, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Hussey, Amato, Muraoka; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-29-26 3:10PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-28-26 3:00PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Friday, 04-24-26 2:30PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 719). |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Kim Chair; Hashimoto Co-Chair; Kidani, DeCorte. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Garrett, Hussey Co-Chairs; Amato, Muraoka. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 599). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 556) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-10-26. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3621) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 04-06-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-01-26 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3137) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani, Fukunaga. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 03-16-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to EDU, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 98). |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 809-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Wednesday, 02-25-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lee, M., Poepoe excused (3). |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Reported from HED (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 300-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Kila, La Chica, Olds, Woodson, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HED on Friday, 02-06-26 2:05PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Referred to HED, FIN, referral sheet 6 |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 17, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| Mar 5, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 6, 2026 | The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Higher Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Department of Education | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Food+ Policy | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| HawaiiKidsCAN | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Multiple community co-signers | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| Teen College Counselors (TCC) | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| University of Hawaiʻi System | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| West Hawaiʻi Complex Area (District Resource Teacher for College Access) | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 809-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2338
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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2338, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to amend:
(1) The Hawaii Community College Promise Program to maximize the financial support for students while aligning with federal regulations and to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of awards; and
(2) The definition of "direct cost" to align more closely with federal financial aid regulations.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education; University of Hawaiʻi System; HawaiiKidsCAN; Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2338, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 300-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2338
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. 2338 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to amend:
(1) The Hawaii community college promise program (Hawaii Promise) to maximize the financial support for students while aligning with federal regulations and to exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of awards; and
(2) The definition of "direct cost" to align more closely with federal financial aid regulations.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System; Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education; HawaiiKidsCAN; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from College Promise and Harold KL Castle Foundation.
Your Committee finds that recent changes to the federal Pell Grant program require updates to Hawaii Promise to ensure awarding practices continue to prioritize students and maximize the support that students receive.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
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. 2338, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2338, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,
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____________________________ ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 1, 2026 | HB2338_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-01-26_.PDF |
| Mar 16, 2026 | HB2338_HD1_TESTIMONY_EDU_03-16-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | HB2338_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 5, 2026 | HB2338_TESTIMONY_HED_02-06-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Conference Committee
17MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Education
55SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Education
3MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
30SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):