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

2026 Regular Session

The act expands and clarifies the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, authorizing the Adjutant General to provide tuition support to eligible Hawaii National Gu

Received.

#act065

Overview

This summary covers Hawaii Senate Bill 2138, HD 1, CD 1 (Act 065, 2026), which relates to the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program. The Governor signed the bill into law on May 29, 2026. The act modifies the eligibility and administration of tuition assistance for certain Hawaii National Guard members and clarifies statutory authority.

Purpose and Intent

To expand and clarify the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program.

To authorize the Adjutant General to award tuition assistance to eligible National Guard members pursuing higher education, subject to available funds.

To ensure that qualified personnel can access undergraduate or graduate degree programs at any campus of the University of Hawaii system.

Key Provisions and Changes

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 121-45, to define and authorize:

Eligibility: Tuition assistance may be awarded to qualified enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and company-grade officers (grades 0-1 through 0-3) in the Hawaii National Guard.
Residency requirement: Recipients must be residents of Hawaii, defined by the Board of Regents under section 304A-402.
Education requirement: Eligible individuals must be pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at any campus of the University of Hawaii.

Administrative authority: The Adjutant General administers the tuition assistance program, contingent on the availability of funds.

Effective date: The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Who Is Affected

Hawaii National Guard members serving in enlisted, warrant officer, or company-grade officer ranks (O-1 to O-3) who are:

Hawaii residents, and
Enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at any University of Hawaii campus.

The University of Hawaii system and its student population may benefit via increased access to tuition support for National Guard members.

The Adjutant General and Department of Defense/state National Guard administration are responsible for program administration, subject to funding.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Funding: Availability of funds governs the awarding of tuition assistance (subject to ongoing budgetary constraints).

Effective date: July 1, 2026, meaning the program provisions apply for aid disbursed for eligible terms beginning in or after that date.

Enacting language: The bill follows standard Hawaii legislative process, passing both Senate and House and receiving gubernatorial approval (Act 065).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Educational Access: Potentially increases access to higher education for Hawaii National Guard members, supporting degree attainment and professional development.

Workforce Benefits: May enhance the qualifications of Guard personnel, potentially benefiting state and local defense, emergency response, and community leadership capacity.

Budgetary Impact: Relies on state funds; fiscal effects depend on annual appropriations and utilization rates by eligible service members.

Eligibility Clarity: Clear linkage to Hawaii residency and University of Hawaii enrollment helps target in-state education benefits.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing tailored for a policymakers’ briefing book or a public-facing summary with FAQs.