STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1386

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.C.R. No. 155

 

 

 

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 155 entitled:

 

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HAWAII'S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (WICHE) AND THE EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER BENEFITS PROVIDED THROUGH FORTY YEARS OF HAWAII'S MEMBERSHIP IN WICHE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Support Hawaii's continued participation in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and the educational and other benefits provided through forty years of Hawaii's membership in WICHE; and

 

     (2)  Encourage the University of Hawaii System to find additional ways to participate in WICHE activities and collaborate with the other members of WICHE.

 

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

 

     Your Committee finds that participation in WICHE provides access to educational alternatives that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for Hawaii students to pursue.  In addition to a successful professional student exchange program that assists Hawaii students in obtaining professional degrees in programs unavailable in Hawaii, WICHE has developed and supported both undergraduate and graduate exchange programs with little cost to the State other than its membership dues.

 

     Your Committee also understands that last year the Community Colleges agreed to participate in the exchange programs, which will add educational opportunities for many more students.  This is particularly important given the difficult economic situation, and your Committee commends WICHE and its dedicated staff of professionals in their efforts to improve access to higher education and to develop a successful, educated workforce.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 155 and recommends its adoption.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

 

 

 

____________________________

JILL TOKUDA, Chair