HI HB843

Appropriates general funds for 4.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the University of Hawaii Pamantasan Council for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to support instructional faculty, student personnel, and graduate assistantships.

Establishes the appropriation to address Filipino student underrepresentation in the University of Hawaii system, where Filipino students comprise only 12 percent of the student population despite representing 15-25 percent of Hawaii's general population.

Directs funding to support Pamantasan Council activities including curriculum development, annual conferences, workshops on Philippine language courses, student recruitment and retention programs, and community partnerships.

Recognizes the Pamantasan Council's role since 1987 in addressing Filipino student success, Philippine and Filipino-American curriculum development, and coordination with community organizations and state agencies.

Takes effect on July 1, 2015.