HI HB1277

Expands the Hawaii Promise Program to provide need-based scholarships for undergraduate students at four-year University of Hawaii campuses, in addition to existing community college eligibility.

Four-year campus students must qualify for Hawaii resident tuition, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, be enrolled in a classified degree program with 12 or more credits per semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and have unmet direct costs.

Scholarship awards are based on available funds and greatest need, calculated as the student's unmet direct cost need minus Pell grants and other scholarships.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to establish and implement the expanded Hawaii Promise Program.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.