HI HCR243

Urges the State of Hawaii to create and fund a state grant program providing financial aid to native Hawaiian and Hawaiian students with financial need enrolled at any of the University of Hawaii System's ten campuses.

Requires students to possess an Office of Hawaiian Affairs card identifying them as registered in the Hawaiian registry under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 10-19 to qualify for the aid.

Notes that native Hawaiians represent 22.4 percent of University of Hawaii students but have the lowest college graduation rates of all ethnic groups in Hawaii, with only 15 percent of all native Hawaiians holding a bachelor's degree compared to 8.4 percent of all Hawaii residents.

Identifies economic stress as a primary barrier, as native Hawaiian students are disproportionately affected by negative economic indicators and often work full- or part-time jobs while completing their degrees, resulting in longer completion times.

Directs the Governor, University of Hawaii Board of Regents, President of the University of Hawaii, and Chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees to receive certified copies of the resolution.