$1.4 trillion. That is how much Americans nationwide owe in student loan debt. All of that debt has some policy makers worried, including Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz. He sponsored the Debt Free College Act of 2018 - with the goal of making public higher education affordable without the need for student loans.

The Conversation's Ryan Finnerty talked with University of Hawaii President and Chancellor David Lassner about the legislation and the local effects it may have if passed.