HI HCR139

Requests the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to conduct a feasibility study for a university hospital in West Hawaii.

Study should examine physician supply and demand, statewide patient needs, educational models, stakeholder readiness, required resources and revenues, and realistic development timelines.

Study is to be conducted in conjunction with leadership from the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation and its East and West Hawaii regional entities.

Identifies West Hawaii's growing population, Kona Community Hospital's 94-bed capacity limitations, and current financial unsustainability as drivers for the proposed hospital.

Cites potential benefits including physician workforce training and retention, specialized services, reduced need for inter-island transfers, and proximity to Kona International Airport.