Maui Lawmakers Praise Promise Bill for Higher Education

Representatives Daniel Holt (left) Justin H. Woodson and Angus L.K. McKelvey attended the signing of House Bill 2501 to provide Hawai‘i students with financial aid under the Community College Promise Program.

Maui lawmakers, who were instrumental in the development and passage of the University of Hawaiʻi Community College Promise Program, said the signing of House Bill 2501 today will allow every qualified student the opportunity to attend college and get the education needed to succeed in life.

“Last year we introduced a bill to establish the Promise Program and with the support of all 51 members, we were able to secure it into the budget,” said Chair of the Education Committee Representative Justin H. Woodson (Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, Old Sand Hills, Maui Lani). “This year’s bill works to further solidify the program.”

The bill, which appropriates additional funding for the Promise Program, was signed into law at Honolulu Community College by Governor David Ige. The program was established last year as part of the State’s 55 by ’25 campaign.

“This represents the beginning of expanding the dream of equal education for all our keiki,” said Chair of the Higher Education Committee Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei),

The Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship provides financial aid for the unmet direct cost needs of qualified students at any community college campus within the University of Hawaiʻi System. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year, be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester and be a resident of Hawaiʻi or qualify for in-state tuition.