HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-10 Letter to Rosalyn H. Baker and Stanley Chang SB 2617 Relating to Emergency Services JMtv;os Hew Roy Takemoto
.-",3- - :'. I ,tlanaging Director
Harry Kim .; �.y1':�'r.}
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Barbara J. Kossow
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-_ 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 10, 2020
Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Chair
Senator Stanley Chang, Vice Chair
Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health
Dear Chair Baker, Vice Chair Chang, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 2617 Relating to Emergency Services
Ka`u Hospital is a small rural facility serving a very large geographic area.
Although the traditional population centers of Pahala and Naalehu are fairly stable, the
number of residents in Ocean View have grown enormously (including a large
Micronesian population), and so has traffic (and the potential for traffic-related injuries).
While Ocean View can be serviced by either Ka`u Hospital or Kona Community
Hospital, the need for urgent care in Ka`u is clear.
I know you have limited resources and unlimited priorities, but a year ago this
Committee and the full Senate passed a bill, SB 1410, to help Ka`u, recognizing that it
would constitute a small investment of funds with life-saving rewards. SB 1410 died in
Finance, but we hope you will try again.
Respe tfully Submitted,
ti
Harry Kin
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.