Kacie Karimoto started classes in Kapiʻolani Community College’s respiratory care program this summer, hoping to earn an associate’s degree that would challenge her academically and help her land a high-paying job.
Worried about paying for the classes while already struggling with Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living, Karimoto took out a $2,000 federal loan to help cover tuition for summer and fall classes.
“Everybody should have access to education,” Karimoto said, adding that loans have provided her classmates the flexibility to develop new skills and pursue new careers through college…