HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-03 Letter to John Mizuno and Bertrand Kobayashi Re: HB 2254 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care ProfessionalsHarry Kim
Mayor
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing 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, Hawai'i 96740
(808)323-4444 . Fax(808)323-4440
February 3, 2020
Committee on Health
Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair
Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Vice Chair
Committee on Lower & Higher Education
Representative Justin H. Woodson, Chair
Representative Sean Quinlan, Vice Chair
Hawaii State Legislature
Dear Chairs Mizuno and Woodson, Vice -Chairs, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 2254, Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals
The shortage of health care providers in Hawaii has been well documented. By
all accounts, it is getting worse, and is of major concern. It appears that a program of
loan repayment is currently in operation and is working to attract providers to federally
designated health professional shortage areas, and to geographic areas of Hawaii found
to be underserved.
A year ago, I was pleased to support SB 1404, which became Act 262.It seems
to be substantially the same as today's bill, HB 2254. Unless there is a flaw in the
program of which I am unaware, I hope that your Committee will recognize the
importance of this issue, see the value of the repayment program, and act favorably on
HB 2254.
Respectfully Submitted,
,r
Harry
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.