HI SCR131

Requests the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai'i to reverse the 2006 policy that charges Pacific Islander students the Western Undergraduate Exchange tuition rate instead of a lower preferential rate.

Notes that Pacific Island nations (American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau) have no baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, making the University of Hawai'i the primary option for students from these jurisdictions.

Identifies that revised Compacts of Free Association have restricted federal aid eligibility for Micronesian students, eliminating Work-Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, while Pell Grant values have declined.

Cites increased dropout rates and students working two to three part-time jobs, leading to missed classes and poor academic performance as consequences of the tuition rate increase.

Requests transmission of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Regents and President of the University of Hawai'i System.