HONOLULU -- University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood on Wednesday proposed an increase in the number of in-state graduates, upgrades of the university's research enterprise and repair of deteriorating buildings.

Greenwood's speech marked the first time a university president addressed a joint session of the state Legislature.

"Both the university and the state have had to make very difficult choices in this troubled economy," Greenwood said.

She said she wants to increase the number of college graduates in Hawaii by 25 percent by the year 2015.

"Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent Hawai‘i residents from getting the higher education they desire and the graduates the state needs. The Hawaii Graduation Initiative will focus on access, affordability, and student success. Simply put, we want more local students to attend and graduate from UH," Greenwood said. (Read the UH president's complete speech.)

The state should invest in the 10-campus university system because it adds money, jobs and talent to the economy, Greenwood said.

She also wants to reduce a $368 million repair backlog, telling lawmakers the university would pay a share of the interest on state-issued bonds to jump-start repair projects.