HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-10 Letter to John M. Mizuno, Bertrand Kobayashi, Justin Woodson, Mark Hashem and Sean Quinlan SB 2983, SD1 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 10, 2020
Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair
Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Vice Chair
Committee on Health
Representative Justin H. Woodson, Chair
Representative Mark J. Hashem, Vice Chair
Representative Sean Quinlan, Vice Chair
Committee on Lower and Higher Education
Dear Chairs Mizuno and Woodson, Vice Chairs, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 2983, SD1 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care
Professionals
The shortage of health care providers in Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi
found to be underserved.
A year ago, I was pleased to support SB 1404, which became Act 262. Earlier
this session, your Committees and the full House passed HB 2254, substantially similar
to today’s bill. Unless there is a flaw in the program of which I am unaware, I hope that
your Committee will continue to recognize the importance of this issue, see the value of
the repayment program, and act favorably on SB 2983, SD1.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR