Bill for Maui College nursing program nears finish line at Legislature

State lawmakers have passed out of conference committee Senate Bill 119, which would appropriate funding to establish a bachelor of science in nursing degree program at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

According to a conference committee report, the measure would appropriate $250,000 in fiscal 2026 and $350,000 in fiscal 2027 for the program aimed at addressing a chronic shortage of qualified nurses in Hawaiʻi, particularly on Maui.

The report says that the nursing workforce shortage has led to “poorer patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas of the state.”

The nursing shortage was one of the underlying disputes in last fall’s contract negotiations for nurses and other medical professionals with Maui Health, which operates Maui Memorial Medical Center and other facilities in Maui County.

Ultimately, Maui Health concluded negotiations with about 930 employees, agreeing to 21% pay raises and safe staffing plans. In early November, the Maui nurses walked out for three days to demonstrate their resolve in contract negotiations. More than 90% of union members approved of the new agreement.

The new nursing program is expected to create “a more efficient pathway for nursing students, reduce the nursing workforce shortage and allow Maui nursing students to remain on Maui during their entire course of study.”

The state funding will be used to establish the nursing program at UH Maui College, hire additional teaching personnel, and purchase additional supplies and equipment.

As amended, the bill would become effective July 1.

The measure advances to the full state House and Senate for final action before heading to Gov. Josh Green for his consideration.

Introducing Senate Bill 119 were Maui Sens. Troy Hashimoto,  Lynn DeCoite and Angus McKelvey, as well as Oʻahu Sens. Donna Mercado Kim and Kurt Fevella.