Hawaii Senate Bill SR176

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Passed: 3/31/22

Caption

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 study mandated by SR176 is expected to thoroughly assess various aspects of healthcare needs within the Ocean View community. It aims to identify the specific healthcare requirements of residents, evaluate existing healthcare resources, and pinpoint unmet needs. By understanding the community's unique challenges, the Department of Health can provide targeted recommendations to address healthcare gaps, ensuring better health outcomes for the population.

Summary

Senate Resolution 176 requests the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the healthcare needs of residents in Ocean View, an area that has experienced significant population growth but lacks adequate healthcare facilities. The resolution draws attention to the sharp rise in Ocean View's population, highlighting the disparity between the growing community and the insufficient healthcare infrastructure, as the nearest hospitals are located a considerable distance away.

Conclusion

SR176 emphasizes the importance of understanding local healthcare demands before any action is taken towards improvement. It stresses the need for evidence-based policymaking to ensure that the healthcare infrastructure in Ocean View aligns with the growing population's demands. The findings from the study could pave the way for increased investments into healthcare resources in Ocean View, ultimately enhancing access to health services for its residents.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the prioritization of healthcare needs and the allocation of resources to address them, particularly given the lack of existing healthcare services. Stakeholders in Ocean View may have varying opinions on what constitutes the most pressing healthcare issues, which could lead to discussions about policy focus and service provision. Moreover, the resolution's success will depend on the Department of Health's ability to engage effectively with the community and stakeholders.