HI HCR156

Requests the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a Rural Health Clinic or comparable health access point in the Volcano community.

The Volcano community is identified as one of the largest rural population centers on Hawaiʻi Island without direct access to primary care services, emergency stabilization, or a locally-based medical provider.

The feasibility study must examine potential clinic sites, operational models (including part-time provider service, mobile clinics, or telehealth), staffing requirements, startup and ongoing costs, and partnership opportunities with local organizations.

HHSC East Hawaiʻi Region is requested to partner with the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center during the study to determine the most appropriate clinic operator.

The completed feasibility study, findings, recommendations, and implementation timeline must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2027 Regular Session.