HawaiiHB 23382025–2026 Regular Session (Year 2)HouseWALLET

RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM.

Sponsored By: Nadine K. Nakamura (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Addresses the change in federal law regarding Pell Grants by amending the Hawaii Community College Promise Program (Hawaii Promise) to provide scholarships for ninety-five percent of a student's unmet direct cost need and exclude grants, scholarships, and other funding sources from the calculation of Hawaii Promise awards, thereby allowing students to apply such funds toward indirect costs, including housing, food, and other living expenses, to reduce financial barriers and support student success. Changes Hawaii Promise from being a last-dollar award. Authorizes Hawaii Promise to coordinate with federal student aid programs to maximize total financial assistance available to students. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

University of HawaiiHawaii Community College Promise ProgramEDU, WAM

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Hawaii students get college cost help

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Hawaii residents at University of Hawaii community colleges can receive Promise scholarships for up to eight semesters. Students must be in a classified degree or certificate program with at least six credits per semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and have unmet direct costs found by their campus. Students generally must file the FAFSA each academic year and accept nonrepayable federal and state aid; certificate students are exempt from the aid-acceptance rule. Awards equal 95% of unmet direct costs, minus available Pell grants and other scholarships, and depend on funds and greatest need. Direct costs include tuition, fees, books, and supplies; travel between home and campus is no longer specifically listed.

Federal aid stays protected for students

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Hawaii Promise Program may coordinate with federal student aid to maximize students' total financial help. If Hawaii Promise rules conflict with federal law or aid rules, the program must protect students' federal aid eligibility and provide the most state assistance federal rules allow.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nadine K. Nakamura

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • No: 2

House vote • 5/6/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 50 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS....

Yes: 3 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2026

The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments....

Yes: 4 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The...

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/17/2026

The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENT...

Yes: 3 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 48 • No: 1

House vote • 2/25/2026

The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes ...

Yes: 16 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN...

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 2/6/2026

The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The ...

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Bill Text

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