HI HB78

Expands the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to provide financial assistance scholarships to all qualified students enrolled at University of Hawaii community college campuses, removing previous funding limitations.

Requires eligible students to be Hawaii residents, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, enroll in a classified degree or certificate program with at least 6 credits per semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and have unmet direct cost needs.

Guarantees scholarship awards equal to each student's unmet direct cost needs based on federal financial aid calculations, minus Pell grants and other scholarships, for a maximum of 8 semesters.

Appropriates $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024 and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 to fund the expanded program through the University of Hawaii.

Takes effect June 30, 3000, except the appropriation in Section 3 takes effect July 1, 2023.