Kamaaina enrollment at the University of Hawaii-Manoa is picking up, proving the value of marketing and outreach. The message: UH is as good a deal as many mainland colleges, and better than some, too.

Of course, paying out-of-state tuition isn’t even an option for some kids. But regardless, the university has to deliver on that promise.

Explaining how it will better fulfill that commitment should underlie its request for budget increases that it’s expected to make at the state Capitol in January.