Bill > SB557

This bill addresses the critical shortage of medical professionals on the island of Molokai by requiring Huli Au Ola, a Maui county area health education center, to conduct a comprehensive study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention. The study will examine key factors that impact medical staffing on the island, including recruitment strategies, housing and transportation availability, potential partnerships, communication methods, and an evaluation process. Molokai, with approximately 7,000 residents and only one airline serving the island, faces significant challenges in accessing medical care, as many residents cannot afford to travel for treatment and serious medical conditions require in-person visits. The bill mandates that Huli Au Ola submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 2025, and appropriates state general revenue funds to support the study, with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine overseeing the expenditure. The bill is set to take effect on July 31, 2050, providing a long-term strategy to address the medical professional shortage in this underserved rural community.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=557&year=2025