HI SR35

Requests the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to convene a task force to conduct a feasibility study for constructing a hospital in North Kona and assess health care needs in the West Hawaii region.

Task force membership includes one Senate member, one House member, the Director of Health, the Regional CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation West Hawaii Region, a Queen's North Hawaii Community Hospital representative, a West Hawaii Regional Health System Board member, and other designees as deemed necessary.

Initial task force meeting must be held no later than June 1, 2021, with the Regional CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation West Hawaii Region serving as chairperson.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2022, and the task force dissolves on June 30, 2022.

Resolution cites North Kona's growing population, severe shortage of medical services, and concerns about hospital capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic as justification for the feasibility study.