Haw. Code R. § 20-40.1-5
The commission may cooperate with the federal government to qualify the State to provide administrative action and/or receive funds made available under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, as amended from time to time, and in addition may serve as the state agency for the receipt of federal student information and/or federal funds when federal legislation dealing with higher education or post-secondary education requires, as a condition of state receipt of such funds, the designation of a state agency that is broadly representative of the general public and of postsecondary education in the state and when agencies other than the commission may not qualify.
The commission may exercise and perform any other powers and duties that the commission considers necessary, proper, or desirable in order to carry out effectively the duties and responsibilities of the commission as prescribed in this chapter or by statute.
Haw. Code R. § 20-40.1-5