STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1785

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 442

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 442, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for various nursing programs of the University of Hawaii System.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, University of Hawaii System, AlohaCare, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that expanding nursing education programs will grow the healthcare workforce in the State that is required to address the needs of the aging population, health care disparities, and future public health challenges. Your Committee further finds that investment in these programs will support economic growth, improve health outcomes, and make healthcare in the State more accessible and equitable.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 442, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair