HB1115 Summary

• Adds a new criterion for University of Hawaii resident tuition eligibility that allows students who graduated from a Hawaii high school within two years of enrollment to qualify as residents for tuition purposes.

• Applies only to students enrolling in undergraduate degree programs at any University of Hawaii campus.

• Addresses barriers faced by some local high school graduates, including homeless students and those with complex family situations, who have difficulty proving bona fide residency under current statutory requirements.

• Maintains existing residency requirements (12 months consecutive residence and dependency status) as alternative pathways to qualify for resident tuition.

• Takes effect upon approval.