Republican candidate for governor James "Duke" Aiona is proposing that Hawaii colleges and universities freeze tuition at the level paid by students during their freshmen years.

Aiona said Monday he would encourage the Board of Regents to lock down tuition costs beginning in two years.

He says the College Tuition Assurance Program would provide financial stability at a time when tuition for full-time undergraduate students at the university has increased nearly 14 percent a year over the last six years.

If approved, tuition rates would be guaranteed for four years of schooling at the university and two years at community colleges.

Aiona is running against Democrat Neil Abercrombie in next week’s election.