Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 153 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support the collaborative efforts between the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) and the Veterans Administration (VA) to improve upon the quality, diversity, and accessibility of healthcare on the neighbor islands.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Veterans' Services, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii Health Systems Foundation, Hilo Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kona Community Hospital, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, and an individual doctor.

Your Committee finds that HHCS and Hawaii VA have been working closely to develop a strategic plan for joint implementation of many healthcare initiatives. Your Committee further finds that these initiatives offer a cost-effective means of improving the quality of healthcare on the neighbor islands, while simultaneously increasing access to these public healthcare services. Your Committee fully supports further collaboration between HHCS and Hawaii VA.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 153 and recommends its adoption.