HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-31 Letter to Jill Tokuda re HB 428 HD 1 Relating to Physician Workforce Assessment
WilOkabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C Kailua-
(808) 323-4444Fax (808) 323-4440
March 31, 2017
Senator Jill N. Tokuda, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Tokuda and Committee Members:
Re: HB 428, HD1
Relating to Physician Workforce Assessment
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 428, HD1.
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, a decade later, and despite ongoing community efforts, the crisis continues.
increasing career satisfaction of physicians already in practice. These actions are extremely
important as we try to improve healthcare on the Big Island and throughout the State.
Please act favorably on HB 428, adding an appropriate effective date.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry Kim
Mayor