HILO >> University of Hawaii-Hilo senior Bonnie Bator says observatories on Mauna Kea should help pay for students' education at the school. Students speak against hike
in UH-Hilo tuitionBy Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.comUH-Hilo freshman Robert Garnett says a tuition increase at the school will make the state's poor poorer.
They were the only two testifying in person yesterday on a proposed 48 percent tuition increase for some freshmen and sophomores.
Three other students said they would submit written testimony later supporting the tuition increase. The university Board of Regents will make a final decision later.
The university wants to make the change because the Hilo school is the only part of the UH system that has lower rates for freshmen and sophomores than for juniors and seniors. A new computer system makes the two-rate system hard to maintain.
Under increases already approved in 2000, juniors and seniors will pay $1,188 per semester in the fall.
The new increase would apply the same amount to new freshmen and sophomores. Present freshmen and sophomores would be "grandfathered" and would pay $864 per semester.
The university should require more rent from "wealthy countries" with telescopes on Mauna Kea, which now pay $1 per year in rent, said student Bator.
(Observatories also pay the university in the form of free viewing time on the telescopes.)
University financial aid officer Jeff Scofield said increasing tuition means increased eligibility for student loans and grants, although he conceded federal grant money is expected to increase only slightly.
More hearings will be held at Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center today and Maui Community College, Laulima 225, tomorrow, both noon-2 p.m.
University of Hawaii at Hilo
