HI SB1294

Establishes an Undergraduate Health Sciences Academy within the University of Hawaii system, administered by the University of Hawaii at West Oahu, targeting recruitment and retention of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and first generation college students.

Requires development of a professional development curriculum for high school teachers and three health science pathway options for high school juniors and seniors: biomedical (medical, nursing, dentistry); behavioral health (social work, community health, public health); or allied health (respiratory, long-term care, health information management).

Mandates early college coursework including a minimum of 6.0 college credits in science-based courses, college readiness programs, and health equity and cultural safety instruction starting in high school freshman year.

Establishes four Native Hawaiian principles to guide the program: Hoʻomālamalama (education strategies using technology), Hoʻomana (empowerment through mentoring and service), Hoʻopili (community engagement and family involvement), and Hoʻokāhuli (transformation through innovation and internships).

Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to fund permanent faculty and staff positions to establish and implement the academy.