THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	15
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

rEQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION TO REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE ON IMPLEMENTing THE TAX INCENTIVE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAUI HEALTH INITIATIVE TASK FORCE TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF AN ADEQUATE MEDICAL SERVICES INFRASTRUCTURE TO CARE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF MAUI.

     WHEREAS, Act 219, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, created the Maui Health Initiative Task Force to develop a comprehensive strategic development plan for the County of Maui, specifically to:

     (1)  Determine the current and future health care needs of Maui county;

     (2)  Develop an integrated plan for providing health care, including primary, acute, and long-term care, urgent and emergency care, and disaster preparedness; and

     (3)  Determine an appropriate role for Maui county health care facilities within the statewide system of emergency and trauma care; and

     WHEREAS, among the recommendations as contained in the final report of the Maui Health Initiative Task Force is the recommendation to create state tax credits:

     (1)  For health care providers, facilities, and services related to the provision of health care or the training of health care professionals in Hawaii; and

     (2)  To encourage the development, maintenance, and operation of electronic medical records systems that are inter-operable with Hawaii's regional health information organization; and

     WHEREAS, the state Department of Taxation possesses the information and figures to follow up with the tax credit recommendations of the Maui Health Initiative Task Force, including tax credits for:

     (1)  Paragraphs (1) and (2) in the immediate previous clause of this measure;

     (2)  Families caring for loved ones at home; and

     (3)  Private entities to obtain land for and to build alternative long-term care beds to provide for Medicaid patients;

now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that the Department of Taxation is requested to conduct a study of the tax recommendations of the Maui Health Initiative Task Force; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include projected tax revenue loss and details regarding the administrative implementation of each tax credit recommendation; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Taxation report to the Legislature and the Governor on its findings and recommendations no later December 1, 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a legislative informational briefing be conducted on the report of the Department of Taxation after it files the report; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Taxation and the Governor.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title: 

Maui Health Initiatives Task Force; Tax Recommendations; Study