2020-02-21 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 2814, SD1 Relating to Hilo Medical Center

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Roy Takemoto .4o�N•"-"' �. Managing Director Harry Kim " _ �.� _ 4/ayor r:-Ma —�;•'s. Barbara J. Kossow +jr -- ♦cF_M►• Deputy h9anaging Director County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 February 21, 2020 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair Committee on Ways and Means Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members: RE: SB 2814, SD1 Relating to the Hilo Medical Center Thank you for this opportunity to support a top-priority measure to improve cardiac care services at Hilo Medical Center, the only hospital serving the residents of, and visitors to, Hilo, Puna, Volcano, and much of the Hamakua Coast. SB 2814, SD1 gives the Legislature an excellent summary of the importance, value and success that are associated with the previous appropriations that HMC received from you. For better or worse, over the past few years, I have developed an ongoing and personal relationship with Hilo Medical Center (HMC) and a number of other medical institutions. HMC has given me excellent service, and Hawaii should be very pleased with the quality of care it provides. However, HMC could do so much more if more resources were available, and better cardiac care has been identified as a priority. Please act favorably on SB 2814, SD1, and please provide sufficient funding to make meaningful improvements in Big Island cardiac care. Such investments will result in saving lives and saving money, as SB 2814, SD1 effectively explains. Respectfully Submitted, *.71/), 4- Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.