RELATING TO ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

HB 869 expands eligibility for the Hawaii Community College Promise Program scholarships to include all qualified students, not just current participants. The bill provides state funding to cover these expanded scholarships, ensuring more Hawaii residents can access affordable community college education. It directly affects students seeking associate degrees or certificates at Hawaii's community colleges who meet income and residency criteria. The legislation modifies the existing program by broadening access while securing dedicated funding for implementation.