HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-18 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen HB 1872, HD1 Making an Appropriation for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudasman Program /0.1!1:4•51;s:'..
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Harry Kim I.
Mayor •
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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
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February 18, 2020
Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair
Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice Chair
Committee on Finance
Dear Chair Luke, Vice Chair Cullen, and Committee Members:
RE: HB 1872, HD1 Making an Appropriation for the Office of the Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Program
Please accept this testimony in support of the intent and purpose of HB 1872, HD1, dealing
with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
It seems clear that Oahu has been grossly underserved, and the neighbor islands almost
totally neglected, by virtue of inadequate funding for this program. With our senior population growing
daily, it is unacceptable for this situation to continue, now that it has been brought to your attention.
According to the bill's preamble, the ombudsman program is mandated by the United States
Administration on Aging through the Older Americans Act. It would appear that Hawaii is currently
fulfilling this mandate in name only.
Please approve HB 1872, HD1 with a reasonable allocation of resources and an early effective
date. It ought to become part of your base budget as well.
Thank you.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.