HI SB2986

Establishes the Hawaiian language university at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, replacing the existing Hawaiian language college.

Grants the university authority to offer a full range of qualifications and programs, operate year-round, and conduct internal administration in the Hawaiian language.

Adds four new functions for the university: developing pathways for endangered indigenous languages, allowing free course enrollment for laboratory school students, and establishing cooperative agreements with other institutions.

Transfers all rights, powers, functions, and duties from the Hawaiian language college to the new university while protecting employee civil service status, salary, and benefits.

Requires the university president and UH Hilo chancellor to execute a memorandum of agreement by the end of the 2014-2015 academic year detailing shared operations and administration.