Hawaiʻi High School Seniors Could Face Major Spike In Graduation Costs

A proposal from the state education department would raise the maximum cost for caps and gowns from $25 to $125.

The education department is looking to increase student fees for the first time in a decade, including club dues, the cost of newspapers, yearbooks and other basic student purchases.

Graduation caps and gowns could see the biggest price jump, from $25 to $125 starting next year. But some Board of Education members, who are responsible for approving many fee raises, have raised concerns that price hikes could prevent students from participating in important school events.

Since 2011, high schools have been able to charge students a maximum of $25 for caps and gowns, according to a memo from Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi. It said the maximum price hasn’