2017-03-16 Letter to Angus L.K. McKelvey re SB 141, SD 2 relating to Physician Workforce Assessment

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Harry Kim Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director VAUU of Paivail* � Offirr of for Aa cr 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 9 Fax(808)323-4440 March 16, 2017 Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey, Chair Committee on Higher Education Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair McKelvey, and members: RE: SB 141, SD 2 Relating to Physician Workforce Assessment Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of SB 141, SD2. Although healthcare is generally thought to be a "State" rather than a "County" issue, I have never seen it that way. In fact, in my first terms as Mayor, I declared healthcare to be a critical issue for Hawaii County, because it was clear that we had a worsening physician shortage and that healthcare on the neighbor islands was in a perilous position. Unfortunately, eight years later, and despite ongoing community efforts, the crisis continues. We want and need a Hawai'i Physician Workforce Assessment Program that does research on the supply and demand of physicians in Hawai'i, and also assists us in recruiting physicians and increasing career satisfaction of physicians already in practice. These actions are extremely important as we try to improve healthcare on the Big Island and throughout the State. Please act favorably on SB 141. Res e tfully submitted, Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.