HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-17 Letter to Josh Green and Rosalyn H Baker re HB 89, HD 1 relating to the Hospital Sustainability Program .40-7°7..... Wil Okabe
Managing Director
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Harry Kim ' *
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Mayor
Barbara J.Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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Count UT Paivail
(Office of fife Alavar
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March 17, 2017
Senator Josh Green, Chair
Committee on Human Services
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Chair
Committee on Human Services
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Green, Chair Baker, and Members:
RE: HB 89 HD 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. We need the hospitals to be financially secure so that their services are not in
jeopardy.
Please act favorably of HB 89, with adequate funding and an appropriate effective date.
Re .ectfully submitted,
Lt.
Har )
-r;
Mayor
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.