SB 2329 Summary

• Caps University of Hawaii tuition increases to not exceed the mean change in the State's median household income over the past ten years, effective July 1, 2020.

• Requires tuition reductions beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year for University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hilo, West Oahu, and all community college campuses (specific reduction percentages to be determined).

• Directs the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization to conduct a study by January 1, 2020, examining tuition increase methods, Consumer Price Index comparisons, Hawaii's cost of living impact, and alternatives for containing higher-education costs.

• Addresses declining enrollment in the University of Hawaii system (down 3.3% from fall 2016 to fall 2017) and rising tuition, which increases faster than faculty salary growth and reduces funding for student programs and services.