SB814 would allow certain undocumented students to be treated as Hawaii residents for University of Hawaii purposes if they meet specified conditions. The bill applies to students who have lived in Hawaii for at least 12 consecutive months, attended a U.S. high school for at least three years, earned a high school diploma or equivalent, and either filed for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or submitted an affidavit promising to file as soon as possible. Those students would be eligible to be considered residents for tuition, financial assistance, and participation in University of Hawaii programs, to the extent allowed by federal law.
The measure is framed as an education and workforce policy intended to expand access to postsecondary education, support higher-wage career pathways, and increase the number of Hawaii residents able to enroll at the University of Hawaii. It adds a new section to Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, defining “undocumented student” and creating a resident-status pathway for tuition and aid purposes. The bill takes effect upon approval.
Impact
SB814 would amend Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by creating a new statutory category for undocumented students seeking resident treatment at the University of Hawaii. It would affect tuition classification, eligibility for financial assistance, and university program participation, while expressly limiting its operation to what is permitted under applicable federal law. The practical effect would be to broaden access to in-state rates and aid for qualifying undocumented students, including DACA-eligible students, and to require the university to recognize the new residency criteria in its admissions and financial aid administration.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and framing suggest generally supportive sentiment toward expanding educational access for undocumented students, particularly those brought to the United States as children and connected to Hawaii schools and communities. The legislative findings emphasize postsecondary education, workforce development, and affordability, indicating a policy rationale centered on opportunity and economic mobility. No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the bill’s treatment of undocumented students as residents for tuition and financial aid purposes, which may raise concerns about immigration policy, eligibility standards, and the use of state educational resources. Another likely issue is the bill’s reliance on DACA filing or an affidavit of intent to file, which could prompt questions about administrative verification and the extent to which state law can extend benefits only “to the extent permitted under applicable federal law.” Because no hearing transcript or vote record was provided, specific supporters or opponents are not identified in the available record.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.