RELATING TO ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

SB 171 expands the Hawaii Community College Promise Program to provide scholarships to all qualified students attending community colleges in Hawaii, directly affecting eligible residents seeking affordable higher education. The bill appropriates state funds to cover tuition and fees for qualifying students, removing previous restrictions that limited eligibility. Key provisions include broadening access beyond current program participants and ensuring state funding supports this expanded coverage. This policy change aims to increase college affordability for a wider range of Hawaii students without altering academic requirements.