HI SB2409

Establishes tiered minimum service requirements for Hawaii's Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program participants receiving new awards on or after July 1, 2027

Requires healthcare professionals receiving $1,000 to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance to remain and practice in Hawaii for at least two years

Requires healthcare professionals receiving $50,001 or more in loan repayment assistance to remain and practice in Hawaii for at least three years

The program has assisted 928 healthcare professionals since inception, with average loan repayment of $49,000 and average debt ranging from $41,300 (nurses) to $179,400 (physicians)

The legislature has appropriated $60,000,000 total for the program across fiscal years 2024-2027 to address healthcare workforce shortages driven by Hawaii's high cost of living