UH to make SAT, ACT optional for fall 2021
HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii announced the SAT and ACT will be optional for applicants for the fall 2021 semester as a result of the coronavirus.
The exemption for the two standardized entrance exams is only for students applying to enter the university for the 2021-22 academic year.
Applicants to the University of Hawaii at Manoa can still submit standardized test scores if they desire.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo and University of Hawaii-West Oahu do not rely on the SAT or ACT as major criteria for admission.
UH community colleges do not require the tests for admission.
The College Board testing organization canceled SAT exams scheduled for May and June, when many high school juniors would normally take the test.
“We’ve all been impacted one way or another by COVID-19,” said Roxie Shabazz, assistant chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions at UH-Manoa. “By offering this option, we are confident that for fall 2021, we will still attract an applicant pool of students that will thrive academically at UH-Manoa.”
Honolulu to delay planned stormwater fee
HONOLULU — Honolulu will delay a planned stormwater utility fee and fund until after the state’s economy improves from the impact of the coronavirus, officials said.
The city plans to continue a second series of community meetings this week about a proposal to improve stormwater management and reduce the flow of stormwater into streams and the ocean.
The city Department of Facility Maintenance planned to send bills establishing the program and the fund this summer with hopes of starting the program in July 2022.
The city will delay the bills until at least next year, said Facility Maintenance Director Ross Sasamura.
The city’s storm drain system catches runoff from streets, parking lots and yards, which is normally not treated before the runoff flows into streams and ocean water.
The stormwater runoff is separate from the sanitary sewer system, which carries wastewater from homes and businesses to plants for treatment before reuse or release to the ocean.
The storm drain proposal was changed following public input during meetings earlier this year. The pandemic caused subsequent meetings to take place online.
The delay will give the department time to explore options including a program for property owners to earn credit for reducing runoff, a neighborhood reinvestment plan and a relief and hardship plan for seniors, nonprofit organizations and low-income families.