HI HB1594

Establishes the Hawaii Promise Program to provide scholarships covering unmet direct costs for qualified students at any University of Hawaii campus, including community colleges.

Community college students must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid, enroll in degree/certificate programs with 6+ credits per semester, maintain 2.5 GPA, and earn minimum 12 credits annually to maintain eligibility for up to 8 semesters.

Four-year campus students must meet similar requirements but with 15+ credits per semester minimum enrollment and 30 credits annually to maintain scholarship eligibility for up to 8 semesters.

Scholarship amounts equal unmet direct costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation) minus Pell grants and other scholarships, awarded on first-come, first-served basis.

Appropriates funds from general revenues to establish a Hawaii Promise Program special fund and implement scholarships at University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hilo, West Oahu, and community college campuses; effective July 1, 2050.