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GM 1368

Informing the Legislature that on July 1, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB119 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 265).

2025 Regular Session

Establishes an on-island BSN program at UH Maui College with $250k (FY25-26) and $350k (FY26-27) to develop and launch, expanding Maui nurse education and easing local shortages.

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Bill Summary · GM 1368

Summary: GM 1368 — Act 265 (SB119 CD1 HD1)

Overview

  • GM 1368 is a proclamation informing that SB119 (S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1) relating to nursing was signed into law as Act 265 on July 1, 2025.
  • The bill establishes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College (UH Maui College) and includes targeted funding to support the program’s development and start-up.

Purpose and Rationale

  • Hawaii faces a growing nursing workforce shortage, with demand for nurses exceeding supply by about 1,000 positions.
  • Expanding university-level nursing capacity is identified as a key strategy to alleviate shortages.
  • Maui currently lacks a local BSN program; students seeking a BSN must transfer from UH Maui College to UH Manoa for the bachelor’s degree, which can disrupt continuity and increase barriers for Maui students.
  • Establishing a BSN program on Maui is declared a matter of statewide concern under the Hawaii Constitution, with the goal of increasing local nurse graduates and enabling Maui students to complete more of their nursing education on-island.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a BSN degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College.
  • Appropriation of funds to support the program’s development and operation:
    • FY 2025-2026: $250,000 (general revenue).
    • FY 2026-2027: $350,000 (general revenue).
  • Funds to be used to:
    • Establish the BSN program at UH Maui College.
    • Fund additional personnel associated with establishing the program.
    • Purchase related supplies and equipment.
  • Expenditures must be made by the University of Hawaii for the purposes stated in the Act.
  • The Act explicitly takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries: Nursing students in Maui and Maui College, who would have access to an on-island BSN program.
  • UH Maui College: Receives program development responsibilities, related staffing, and equipment purchases; acts as the local hub for nurse education.
  • University of Hawaii system (UH and UH Manoa): Oversight at the system level for the BSN program and the transfer pathway for students completing the Maui-based BSN and continuing education.
  • Hawaii’s healthcare workforce: Increased local production of BSN graduates over time, contributing to addressing the statewide nursing shortage.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
  • Funding provided for two fiscal years:
    • FY 2025-2026: $250,000
    • FY 2026-2027: $350,000
  • The bill stipulates that UH will administer and expend the appropriated funds for program establishment and related needs.

Status

  • Status: Proclaimed/Act enacted as of July 1, 2025 (Act 265), following passage by the Senate and House and signing by the Governor.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison with prior nursing education provisions in Hawaii or outline potential implementation challenges and metrics for program success.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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