HPEAP was created in 2013 by Act 180 to provide regulatory oversight of certain post-secondary educational institutions that have a physical presence in the state. A student or former student of the University may file a complaint concerning the institution at which the student is or was enrolled with HPEAP.
Additional Information
Can I file a complaint against an authorized post-secondary educational institution?
You must exhaust all administrative remedies available at the institution first; provided that if the complaint involves a violation of state or federal criminal law, this requirement shall not apply. A student or former student of the University of Hawaii system, a private college or university, seminary, or religious training institution may file a complaint concerning the institution at which the student is or was enrolled. The HPEAP may investigate complaints based on possible violations of this chapter or rules. HPEAP cannot consider complaints that infringe on the academic or religious freedom of, or question the curriculum content of an educational institution.
Can I file a claim against a private college or university for cessation of operations?
A student or enrollee, or a parent or legal guardian of the student or enrollee, who claims loss of tuition or fees as a result of cessation of operations may file a claim if the claim results from an act or practice that violates a provision of this chapter.
This shall apply only to those students enrolled in the private college or university at the time it ceases operation.
A seminary or religious training institution shall not be subject to these requirements.
Filing a Complaint
If a student wishes to file a complaint, they may do so with:
Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
335 Merchant Street, Rm. 310
Honolulu, HI 96813
