2020-03-13 Letter to John M. Mizuno and Bertrand Kobayashi SB 2814, SD2 Relating to the Hilo Medical Center

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-.0;0 Of"Vy, Roy Takemoto Managing Director • Harry Kim 1 3�� Mayor Barbara J.Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai`i 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 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 March 13, 2020 Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Vice Chair Committee on Health Hawaii State Legislature Dear Chair Mizuno, Vice-Chair Kobayashi, and Committee Members: RE: SB 2814, SD2 Relating to the Hilo Medical Center. Thank you for this opportunity to support a top-priority measure to improve cardiac care services at Hilo Medical Center, the only hospital serving the residents of, and visitors to, Hilo, Puna, Volcano, and much of the Hamakua Coast. SB 2814 SD2 gives the Legislature an excellent summary of the importance, value and success that are associated with the previous appropriations that HMC received from you. For better or worse, over the past few years, I have developed an ongoing and personal relationship with Hilo Medical Center and a number of other medical institutions. HMC has given me excellent service, and Hawaii should be very pleased with the quality of care it provides. However, HMC could do so much more if more resources were available, and better cardiac care has been identified as a priority. Please act favorably on SB 2814, SD2, and please provide sufficient funding to make meaningful improvements in Big Island cardiac care. Such investments will result in saving lives and saving money, as SB 2814, SD2 effectively explains. Respectfully Submitted, 1 J Artisv // ` Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.