HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-18 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 2983 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals �/JMtr oc H1 Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim +: �. ��i••
Mayor _
° ^ 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, Hawaii 96740
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February 18, 2020
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 2983 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, SB 2983. 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 SB 2983.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kid✓ m'"J
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.