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Harry Kim <br />Mayor <br />Roy Takemoto <br />Managing Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <br />County of Hawaii <br />Office of the Mayor <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 <br />(808)323-4444 . Fax(808)323-4440 <br />February 3, 2020 <br />Committee on Health <br />Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair <br />Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Vice Chair <br />Committee on Lower & Higher Education <br />Representative Justin H. Woodson, Chair <br />Representative Sean Quinlan, Vice Chair <br />Hawaii State Legislature <br />Dear Chairs Mizuno and Woodson, Vice -Chairs, and Committee Members: <br />RE: HB 2254, Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals <br />The shortage of health care providers in Hawaii has been well documented. By <br />all accounts, it is getting worse, and is of major concern. It appears that a program of <br />loan repayment is currently in operation and is working to attract providers to federally <br />designated health professional shortage areas, and to geographic areas of Hawaii found <br />to be underserved. <br />A year ago, I was pleased to support SB 1404, which became Act 262.It seems <br />to be substantially the same as today's bill, HB 2254. Unless there is a flaw in the <br />program of which I am unaware, I hope that your Committee will recognize the <br />importance of this issue, see the value of the repayment program, and act favorably on <br />HB 2254. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />,r <br />Harry <br />MAYOR <br />County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />