HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-15 Letter to Dee Morikawa and Della Au Belatti re SB 397 SD 1 Relating to the Hospital Sustainability Program rY, Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim • •:AV: r.el • •
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_ Barbara J.Kossow
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
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March 15, 2017
Representative Dee Morikawa, Chair
Committee on Human Services
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Representative Della Au Belatti, Chair
Committee on Health
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chairs Morikawa, Belatti, and Committee members:
RE: SB 397, SD 1
Relating to the Hospital Sustainability Program
Although healthcare is generally thought to be a "State" rather than a "County" issue, I have
never seen it that way. In fact, in my first terms as Mayor, I declared healthcare to be a critical issue
for Hawaii County, because it was clear that we had a worsening physician shortage and that
healthcare on the neighbor islands was in a perilous position.
Unfortunately, eight years later, and despite ongoing community efforts, the crisis continues.
Our hospitals provide the safety net that is so vital to neighbor islands where the provider
shortage is most acute. With our relatively low-income population, Hawaii County residents are often
reliant on Medicaid
Please act favorably of SB 397, SD1.
Re ectfully submitted,
arry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer