Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Assess The Health Care Needs Of The Residents Of Ocean View On The Island Of Hawaii.
Impact
The resolution emphasizes the need to gather pertinent data regarding the existing healthcare needs and resources in Ocean View before implementing specific health initiatives. The assessment will cover not only the current state of healthcare availability but also focus on identifying unmet needs within the community, evaluating disease patterns, and gauging the number of residents associated with the Compact of Free Association. This information will form the foundation for future health policy decisions aimed at improving community health outcomes.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 183 (SCR183) requests the Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the healthcare needs of the residents of Ocean View, a rapidly growing community on the Big Island of Hawaii. Given the significant population increase reported by the 2010 Census, with numbers rising from 2,178 in 2000 to 4,437 in 2010, the bill aims to address a critical gap in healthcare infrastructure, as Ocean View currently lacks any local health facilities, requiring residents to travel considerable distances to access basic medical services in Kona or Kau.
Contention
While the resolution passed unanimously in committee, some stakeholders may express concerns about the prolonged timelines before actionable steps can be taken, given that the Department of Health is required to submit its findings ahead of the 2023 legislative session. Discussions surrounding the adequacy of responses to urgent healthcare needs and the potential impact delays may have on the community could emerge as points of contention in future deliberations. Moreover, the provision of healthcare services in rural and underserved areas remains a significant challenge that will be highlighted through this assessment.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Policies For Substantially Increasing Those Populations Within A Decade.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.
Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.