HI SB676

Appropriates $600,000 for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to fund 6.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the University of Hawaii system-wide Pamantasan Council.

Positions to be funded include instructional faculty, student personnel, and graduate assistantships to support Filipino students and Philippine language programs.

Establishes funding to address underrepresentation of Filipino students in the University of Hawaii system, where they comprise only 12 percent of enrollment despite being 15-25 percent of Hawaii's population.

Supports the Pamantasan Council's efforts to develop Philippine language courses (Ilokano and Tagalog), provide student support services, conduct professional development for language teachers, and increase Filipino student recruitment and retention.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.