STAND. COM. REP. NO. 941

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 637

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 S.B. No. 637, 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.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii and the rest of the nation are experiencing a shortage of nurses. Investing in nursing education programs that are administered by the University of Hawaii may contribute to the development of a more robust workforce that is equipped to address the wide range of patient needs. Having additional skilled nursing professionals in the State may improve health outcomes, bolster efforts toward quality health care for residents, and ease the State's nurse shortage.

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 S.B. No. 637, 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