HI HR91

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, patient needs, educational models, stakeholder readiness, required resources and revenues, and development timelines.

Feasibility study to be conducted in conjunction with leadership from the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation and its East and West Hawaii regional divisions.

Identifies West Hawaii's growing population and economic development as creating demand for expanded healthcare services beyond Kona Community Hospital's current 94-bed capacity.

Notes potential benefits including physician training and retention, specialized services, research opportunities, and proximity to Kona International Airport and available state land near the Palamanui campus.