HI HCR109

Urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kokua Program at UH Manoa and disability services across the entire UH System, identifying areas for improvement and expansion.

Requests the UH Manoa Office of Student Equity, Excellence, & Diversity (SEED) conduct a study to improve student outreach and knowledge of disability support services.

Specific areas for assessment include optimizing the disability services registration process, improving faculty letter transmittal speed, addressing building inaccessibility due to broken elevators, and accommodating a broader range of disabilities.

Cites that 21% of college students reported a disability in 2020 and 23% of Pacific Islander undergraduates reported disabilities in 2019-2020, yet only 7% of students register with campus disability centers at public institutions.

Requires SEED to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session.