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Harry Kim <br />viavor <br />etfintfv <br />Office of <br />sr <br />111.1r <br />Wil Okabe <br />Cl 11 aging Director <br />Barbara J. kossow <br />Deputy Managing Director <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, Hawaii 96740 <br />(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 <br />March 20, 2018 <br />Representative Roy M. Takumi, Chair <br />Committee on Consumer Protection and Co <br />Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Dear Chair Takumi and Committee Members: <br />erce <br />Re: SB 2891, SD 1, HD 1 Relating to Telehealth <br />Hearing Date: 03-21-18 — 2:15 pm; House Conference Room 329 <br />Thank you for scheduling this hearing, and for the oppo unity to testify in support <br />of SB 2891, SD 1, HD 1. <br />In spite of dedicated 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 />health care needs that exist, particularly in rural areas. <br />The direct benefit to patients is obvious, but telehealth can also help providers by <br />offering expertise and backup that make it possible for those providers to work in <br />underserved areas, comfortable in the knowledge that they are able to provide high, <br />quality care in spite of their remote location. <br />Enha ring telehealth is a positive step forward, and your encouragement of its <br />growth would be beneficial in more ways than one. <br />otful y sub itted, <br />Harry Kim <br />Mayor, County of Ha al' <br />County of Hawaii is an Eua1 Opportunity Provider and Employer. <br />