HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-14 Letter to Justin H. Woodson, Mark J. Hashem and Amy Perruso SB 1404, SD2 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 14, 2019
Representative Justin H. Woodson, Chair
Representative Mark J. Hashem, Vice Chair
Representative Amy A. Perruso, Vice Chair
Committee on Lower and Higher Education
Dear Chair Woodson, Vice Chairs Hashem and Perruso, and Committee Members:
RE: SB 1404, SD2 Relating to Loan Repayment for Health Care Professionals
The shortage of health care providers in Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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, SD2. I
would also hope that you consider incorporating such funding in your priority list of add-ons for the State
budget.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR