Loading chat...
HI HB1978
Bill
Status
1/26/2026
Primary Sponsor
Nicole Lowen
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Appropriates funds from Hawaii's general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 for planning, design, site work, and construction of a new outpatient care center in North Kona (specific dollar amount left blank in bill).
-
The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation would administer the appropriated funds for the outpatient care center project.
-
A 2024 needs assessment found the growing North Kona community can support a new hospital with expanded services, which would improve health outcomes by reducing travel times to critical care.
-
The Queen's Health Systems and the West Hawaii region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding, with Queen's committing to build an adjacent hospital once the state-funded outpatient center is completed.
-
The new healthcare facilities aim to help recruit physicians to address ongoing shortages on the island of Hawaii and create jobs for the West Hawaii region.
Legislative Description
Relating To The West Hawaii Regional Health Care System.
Appropriation ($)
Last Action
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and none excused (0).
2/18/2026