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Harry Kim <br />lifqror <br />Wil Okabe <br />Alanaging Director <br />Barbara J. Kossow <br />Depitti Alum/ging Dwector <br />Offirr of fir <br />25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 t Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 <br />KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., :Idg 0 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />11 <br />Fe ruary 20, 2018 <br />Senator Donovan M. Del' Cruz, Chair <br />Committee on Ways and 1eas <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair <br />Committee on Ways and Means <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Cha Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran an Com thee <br />err <br />bers: <br />Re: SB 2891 Relating to Telehealth <br />Hearing Date: 02/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211 <br />Thank you for the oportunity to testify in support of SB 2891. <br />In spite of sedicated efforts over the years, Hawaii continues to have a chronic <br />shortage of health care providers, and the shortage apparently is only getting worse. <br />Telehealth, while not a silver bullet, has the potential to alleviate some of the unmet <br />needs that exist, particularly in rural areas. <br />The direct benefit to patients is o.vious, but telehealth can also help proviiers by <br />offering expertise aid backup that make it possible for those provi•ers to work in <br />underserved areas. comforted by the knowledge that they are able to provide high <br />quality care in spite of their remote location. <br />Enhancing telehealth is a positive ste forward, and your encouragement of its <br />growth would be beneficial in more ways than one. <br />Resp;ctfully subrnitted, <br />• <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Hawaiti <br />C,nmyty of lawai`i 1 ui Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />