HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran SB 1404, SD 1 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care ProfessionalsHarry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawai`i
Office of the Mayor
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
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
February 20, 2019
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Keith-Agaran, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 1404, SD1, Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals
The shortage of health care providers in Hawaii has been well documented; by all accounts 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 Hawaii found to be underserved.
Unless there is a flaw in the program of which I am unaware, I hope that your Committee will recognize
the importance of this issue, see the value of the repayment program, and act favorably on SB 1404, SD1.
Respectfully Submitted,
1
Harry Ki
MAYOR
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.