HI HB1591

Establishes the Hawaii Promise Program to provide scholarships covering unmet direct costs for qualified students at University of Hawaii community colleges, administered by the board of regents.

Eligible students must qualify for Hawaii resident tuition, complete the FAFSA, accept all federal and state aid, enroll in a degree or certificate program with at least six credits per semester, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Scholarships cover unmet direct costs including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis in amounts equal to calculated need minus Pell grants and other scholarships.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to establish and implement the program, with amounts left blank in the bill.

Effective date is July 1, 2050.