Hawaii bill aims to be state version of Dream Act

HONOLULU (AP) — A bill seeking to become Hawaii's version of the federal Dream Act would offer the state's high school graduates who don't have legal immigration status to get resident tuition at the University of Hawaii and be eligible for state-funded financial aid.

The Senate Education Committee advanced the bill earlier this week, with Republican Sen. Sam Slom voting it against it and calling it "special treatment for unlawful immigrants." Supporters include the university and civil rights organizations.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser ( ) reported Wednesday the measure would bring Hawaii in line with 13 states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who are residents. Hawaii would be the fourth state to offer access to taxpayer-funded financial aid.

University officials estimate as many as 1,300 students could take advantage of lower tuition.

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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com