HI SB327

Appropriates $225,000 for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to fund 4.0 full-time equivalent positions for the University of Hawaii Pamantasan Council, including instructional faculty, student personnel, and graduate assistantships.

Establishes funding to support Filipino student representation and success at the University of Hawaii, addressing the underrepresentation of Filipino students who comprise only 12 percent of the UH system despite being 15-25 percent of Hawaii's population.

Directs resources toward expanding Philippine language courses (Ilokano and Tagalog), developing Philippine studies curriculum, and supporting Filipino-American content across the UH system and department of education.

Supports the Pamantasan Council's coordination of annual conferences, workshops, curriculum development, exchange programs, internships, and community partnerships to increase Filipino student access and graduation rates.

Takes effect on July 1, 2015.