MĀNOA — The conversation around Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) moved forward Wednesday afternoon — and this time, it happened on campus.

The Hawai‘i House Committee on Higher Education held its hearing on HB 2384 inside Bachman Hall at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, bringing lawmakers face-to-face with the student-athletes and coaches most impacted by the bill.

By the end of the hearing, the committee voted to pass the measure as an amended HD1, keeping the appropriation blank to allow further discussion.

But beyond the vote, the day was defined by testimony — and the urgency behind it.

What HB 2384 Does

HB 2384 would:

• Affirm student-athletes’ rights to earn compensation through NIL

• Require UH to adopt NIL policies aligned with federal law and Title IX

• Establish reporting and transparency standards

• Provide education and protection for student-athletes

• Appropriate funding (amount to be finalized)

• Sunset in 2030

The bill addresses both regulatory structure and potential state funding support for NIL programs.

“This Is the New Normal”

UH Athletics Director Matt Elliott made clear that this conversation is about adapting — not reacting.

He told lawmakers that every Mountain West Conference school now has an NIL budget and that NIL discussions are happening during official recruiting visits. He emphasized that NIL “is here” and that Hawai‘i must create a plan rather than risk falling behind.

Elliott explained that UH is currently raising private funds for this fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) and has requested $5 million for the 2026–27 fiscal year to provide stability and certainty in recruiting and retention. The goal, he said, is to run a balanced budget while ensuring UH can compete in the evolving landscape.

Student-Athletes: Pride, Culture and Staying Home

Much of the hearing’s impact came from the student-athletes themselves.

Wahine basketball guard Jovi Lefotu described UH athletics as representing “home, the Polynesian culture and the community,” explaining how the support she received while recovering from two ACL injuries reinforced why she chose to stay in Hawai‘i. She said knowing the community invests in their journey gives athletes confidence to deliver championships for the state.

UH quarterback Micah Alejado spoke about the pride that comes with “putting the H on the chest,” noting that culture is the most important foundation programs can build in today’s college environment. At the same time, he acknowledged that “the college landscape is changing” and that programs must adjust accordingly.

Baseball infielder Elijah Ickes addressed the realities of the transfer portal, explaining how difficult it is to build long-term chemistry when teammates leave after a year. He said the goal is to retain players, build bonds and ultimately compete at the highest level.

For many athletes, NIL wasn’t framed as “extra money,” but as a tool that helps Hawai‘i retain local talent and stay competitive nationally.

Coaches: Opportunity Must Continue

Head football coach Timmy Chang tied the bill directly to recruiting and retention, telling lawmakers that in recruiting and building culture, HB 2384 is important to sustaining the program’s momentum.

Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach and former UH setter Robyn Ah Mow spoke emotionally about how UH athletics changed her life and opened doors she otherwise would not have had. She told lawmakers that college athletics is different now and that Hawai‘i must remain competitive to continue offering those same opportunities to future generations.

Former UH football player Mike Iosua provided perspective from both eras of college sports, noting that in the past athletes couldn’t accept even minor benefits without NCAA violations. Today, he said, NIL is no longer a “nice to have,” but a “must have” in order to remain competitive.

Lawmakers Frame It as Investment

Committee Chair Rep. Andrew Takuya Garrett said the decision to hold the hearing on campus was intentional, allowing lawmakers to hear directly from student-athletes and coaches.

While acknowledging concerns about taxpayer dollars, Garrett described the proposal as an investment that brings a return to the community.

Several members noted that UH Athletics serves as Hawai‘i’s only Division I program and plays a role in workforce development, community pride and economic impact.

How This Fits With SB 3263

HB 2384 is not the only NIL measure moving through the Legislature this session.

The Senate is advancing SB 3263, which also addresses student-athlete NIL rights and oversight, though with structural differences in funding mechanisms and reporting requirements. Lawmakers have indicated that both bills will likely continue through the process before being reconciled later in session.

For a deeper breakdown comparing HB 2384 and SB 3263 side-by-side, read our full comparison post here.

What Happens Next

HB 2384 now advances through the legislative process, with further hearings and potential crossover to the Senate ahead.

Funding details and the effective date will likely be addressed in later stages of the session.

What Wednesday made clear is that for student-athletes, coaches and administrators, NIL is no longer theoretical. It is part of daily recruiting, retention and roster decisions.

As Elliott put it, the goal is not to overspend or chase trends, but to create a responsible, transparent framework that allows UH to compete while protecting its athletes.

The debate now shifts to the broader Legislature — but at Mānoa, the message was consistent:

Hawai‘i wants to compete.

And it wants to do so together.