EFTC in Hawaii
Hawaii has not yet announced a decision on the federal scholarship tax credit program. Also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), the program was enacted as IRC §25F and takes effect January 1, 2027.
- Governor
- Josh Green
- Democrat
- Status
- No decision yet
- Program begins
- January 1, 2027
- Federal tax credit live
What's at stake for Hawaii
Governor Josh Green has not yet announced a decision on whether Hawaii will opt in to the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (EFTC). The program goes live on January 1, 2027, and governors must submit a list of qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 of each participating year.
If Hawaii opts in, families across the state will be eligible for scholarships funded through the program, and federal tax dollars contributed by Hawaii donors will stay in Hawaii communities. If Hawaii does not opt in, donors here can still claim the federal tax credit by giving to SGOs in other states — but those scholarships will go to students elsewhere.
Hawaii residents, parents, educators, and taxpayers can let Governor Josh Green know they want Hawaii to participate. The decision is annual: even if a governor declines initially, future years remain open.
Frequently asked questions about EFTC in Hawaii
Does Hawaii participate in EFTC?
Not yet decided. Governor Josh Green has not announced a decision. Governors can opt in by submitting a list of qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 of each year.
Who is the governor of Hawaii and what is their position on EFTC?
Governor Josh Green (Democrat) has not yet announced a decision. No public decision; the Teach Coalition tracker lists Hawaii as undecided.
Can Hawaii residents donate to an SGO and claim the federal tax credit?
Beginning January 1, 2027, any U.S. taxpayer can claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 per tax return for donations to a qualifying Scholarship Granting Organization, regardless of the state they live in. Because Hawaii has not yet opted in, donations from Hawaii residents would need to go to SGOs in opted-in states — funding scholarships for students in those states rather than in Hawaii.
When does the EFTC program begin?
The Educational Choice for Children Act program begins on January 1, 2027. Donations made on or after that date are eligible for the federal tax credit. Each participating state's governor must submit a list of qualifying Scholarship Granting Organizations to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 of each participating year.
Other states with the same status
States that have also no decision yet.
Learn more about EFTC
In-depth guides on how the program works, who qualifies, and how to participate.
- What is ECCA / FSTC?A complete guide to the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax …
- The federal tax credit, explainedHow the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC / §25F) works for donors: $1,700 per tax return, 5-year carryforwar…
- Scholarship eligibilityWhich K–12 students qualify for EFTC scholarships, the income limits, what schools and educational expenses ar…
- How states opt inHow a state opts in to the federal EFTC scholarship program: the governor's annual Treasury submission, legisl…
- EFTC for special-needs familiesHow families of K–12 students with disabilities can use EFTC scholarships to fund therapies, specialized instr…
- EFTC for homeschool & microschoolHow homeschoolers, microschool families, learning pods, and hybrid-school families can use EFTC scholarships, …
Make your voice heard in Hawaii
Contact Governor Josh Green and let them know that Hawaii families want access to EFTC scholarships when the program begins January 2027.
Contact Governor Green →