For an institution that should have the smartest people in the state, they are not too bright. 

The most obvious reason for the drop in enrollment is the increase in tuition. I'm a UH grad from the Big Island, but sent my child to the mainland. I found the facilities much better, the dorms new, and the out of state tuition comparable to Manoa.

The sales taxes on the mainland are much more than Hawaii but they invest much more in their educational infrastructure. If we think students can cover the cost of our higher education by raising tuitions, our colleges won't be competitive with mainland institutions. 

As a whole, UH dorms are a embrassment. Frear Hall is the newest and should be the standard for all the dorms. I couldn't ask my child to stay in a dorm without hot water or furniture that was used when I was there 30 years ago. 

As a state, we need to step up and take responsibility.