Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.R. No. 59 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request a review of the health care needs of west Maui residents by the State Health Planning and Development Agency.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from a Maui County Council member.

Your Committee finds that most of the concerns analyzed in the 1995 Department of Accounting and General Services study entitled, "West Maui Acute Care Feasibility Study" continue to hold true today, including utilization of services, falling reimbursement rates, and challenging medical staffing availability on Maui, which warrants a further study. Your Committee further finds that there has been renewed interest in West Maui health care needs as evidenced by letters from community members to the Maui City Council.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 59 and recommends its adoption.