HI SB1139

Appropriates unspecified funds from the community health centers special fund to the department of health for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 to support operations of community health centers serving low-income and underserved populations statewide.

Directs the governor to release funds from the community health centers special fund, including all cigarette tax revenues generated pursuant to section 245-15 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, to the department of health for community health center operations.

Recognizes that community health centers served approximately 120,000 people in 2008 while generating over $128,000,000 in health care cost savings and provided care to about one-third of Hawaii's uninsured persons and nearly one in four Med-QUEST patients.

Establishes that Act 316 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2006) allocated cigarette tax revenues to community health centers, but the administration and department of health did not release approximately $9,000,000 in estimated 2008-2009 collections for community health center use.

Takes effect upon approval.