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Bill

HB 2338

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

HB 2338 establishes a Hawaii Community College Promise Program to increase community college access, with unanimous Finance Committee support after House Education amendments.

Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
#hawaiicommunitycollegepromiseprogram #universityofhawaii
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Bill Summary · HB 2338

Legislative bill overview

HB 2338 establishes or modifies the Hawaii Community College Promise Program, which appears designed to increase access to community college education for Hawaii residents. The bill has passed through the House Education Committee with amendments and the Finance Committee unanimously, advancing toward further legislative consideration.

Why is this important

Community college affordability directly impacts economic mobility and workforce development in Hawaii, affecting both individual students' life trajectories and the state's ability to fill skilled labor gaps. This program could reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education and reduce student debt burdens for lower-income residents pursuing credentials or transfer degrees.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and fiscal impact: The Finance Committee's involvement suggests significant budget implications; unclear whether this requires new state appropriations, tuition reductions, or grant programs, and how costs are distributed
  • Eligibility criteria: The bill text doesn't specify who qualifies (income thresholds, residency requirements, academic performance standards), which could affect accessibility or program costs
  • Program scope and sustainability: "Promise programs" vary widely (full tuition coverage vs. partial aid); unclear whether this is a temporary pilot or permanent entitlement, and whether the state can sustain commitments long-term

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

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