As a student at the University of Hawaii, the proposed tuition increase could crush my academic goals. I currently attend community college and don't know if I'll ever be able to attend UH Mānoa as it is. I want to get a doctorate, but now I might even have to say goodbye to a bachelor's.

The University of Hawaii should prioritize making higher education accessible and affordable. This proposed tuition increase would disproportionately impact students from lower-income backgrounds, WHICH IS MOST OF US. Rather than increasing tuition, the University should explore alternative funding options such as implementing cost-cutting measures that do not impact students’ academic experiences.

The proposal article states that about 10% of Community College students and 45% of University students go into debt. They seem to phrase this as a good thing, but the goal should be 0%. They are also ignoring the population of people that have given up on academia because of the cost. Additionally, Hawaii already faces crises in finance and education; Poverty rates are high, native Hawaiians move to the mainland because of high costs, and homelessness is EXTREMELY prevalent. College students often move to the mainland for higher education, and many Hawaii-born graduates permanently move away. Increasing the tuition would only further push locals away from education.

In this critical moment, we urge the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to reconsider the proposed tuition increase. Education is a public good, and it is essential for our university to remain an accessible pathway for all students to achieve their potential.

Please join me in urging the Board of Regents to reject the proposed tuition increase by signing this petition. Our collective voices can make a difference in ensuring that higher education remains affordable for everyone in Hawaii. Together, let’s stand for accessible education for all!