HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-19 Letter to Donna Mercado Kim and Michelle N. Kidani SCR 77-SR 54 Encouraging the Legislature to Fund the Hawaii Rural Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program
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Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
March 19, 2019
Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Chair
Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Vice Chair
Committee on Higher Education
Dear Chair Kim, Vice Chair Kidani, and Committee Members:
RE: SCR 77/SR 54 Encouraging the Legislature to Fund the Hawaiʻi Rural Health Care Provider
Loan Repayment Program
It seems a bit unusual to have a legislative resolution encouraging the Legislature to take an action, but
I certainly support the idea behind SCR 77 and SR 54.
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.
Two bills which would have funded the program, SB 1404 and HB 902, both died in the House. 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 and see the value of the repayment program. Passing SCR 77 and SR 54 would be a positive
step, although 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