HI SR69

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, accredited educational models, stakeholder readiness, resources and revenues needed for planning and construction, and realistic development timelines.

Identifies West Hawaii's growing population and economic development as creating need for expanded hospital capacity beyond Kona Community Hospital's 94-bed capacity.

Notes state land is available near Kona International Airport adjacent to the new Palamanui campus that could support a teaching hospital with patient and workforce accommodations.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents Chairperson, University of Hawaii President, and Dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine.