HI HB2535

Establishes an astronomy scholarship program administered by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to provide up to four years of financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in baccalaureate astronomy programs at the University of Hawaii or private colleges authorized to operate in Hawaii.

Creates a special fund for the scholarship program with a $1,000,000 cap, funded by donations from entities associated with the Thirty Meter Telescope construction on Mauna Kea.

Scholarship awards shall be made only from interest revenue generated by investments of the special fund's principal, with the number and amount of scholarships determined by the BLNR based on fund availability.

Scholarship applicants must be bona fide Hawaii residents for tuition purposes at the time of admission and must have graduated from a public or private high school in the State.

Scholarship funds may cover tuition, fees, books, housing, and other educational costs.