HI HB1354

Appropriates an unspecified amount in general revenues to the University of Hawaii for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to fund positions for the Pamantasan Council, including librarians, part-time graduate assistantships, and Philippine language lecturers.

Establishes that the University of Hawaii Pamantasan Council (created in 1987) will coordinate efforts to improve Filipino student recruitment, retention, and academic success within the University of Hawaii system.

Identifies underrepresentation of Filipino students in the University of Hawaii system (12% of total enrollment despite comprising 15-25% of Hawaii's general population) and low Filipino postgraduate degree attainment (15%, lowest among all ethnic groups in Hawaii).

Directs the Pamantasan Council to conduct surveys of Philippine language courses, expand Ilokano and Tagalog instruction, develop professional development for language teachers, and coordinate with community organizations and the Department of Education.

Effective date is January 1, 2525 (apparent clerical error in the bill text).