HI HB2053

Exempts students from nonresident tuition at University of Hawaii and community colleges if they attended Hawaii high school for three or more years, graduated from a Hawaii high school, and enrolled as students no earlier than fall 2014-2015 academic year, excluding nonimmigrant aliens.

Requires students without lawful immigration status to file an affidavit stating they have filed or will file an application to legalize their immigration status to qualify for the tuition exemption.

Allows students exempt from nonresident tuition to receive scholarships derived from nonstate funds at their institution and participate in all student aid programs administered by UH and community colleges to the extent permitted by federal law.

Prohibits reduction in the number of financial aid awards available to Hawaii resident students as a result of allowing eligible non-resident students to participate in aid programs.

Provides that if a court finds these provisions unlawful, the court may order termination of waivers but the University of Hawaii is immune from money damages, tuition refunds, or other retroactive relief; effective January 1, 2013.