Hawaii Senate Bill SCR78

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Community Development Authority To Initiate The Planning Of A Health Tech Hub In Kakaako To Accelerate The Adoption Of Health Care Technology And Promote The Development And Growth Of Hawaii's Highly Skilled Health Care Workforce.

Impact

SCR78 outlines the importance of establishing a Health Tech Hub by situating it near the Entrepreneurs Sandbox, which is adjacent to key institutions such as the University of Hawaii at Manoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The proposal underscores the necessity for collaboration between HCDA and various stakeholders, including the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, and other educational and technological organizations. This collaborative approach is expected to facilitate a well-rounded development plan that addresses the unique needs of Hawaii's healthcare system while promoting technological advancements.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 78 (SCR78) requests the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to begin planning for a Health Tech Hub in Kakaako. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of healthcare technology and foster the development and growth of Hawaii's skilled healthcare workforce. By leveraging advancements in areas such as virtual and augmented reality, as well as generative artificial intelligence, SCR78 seeks to enhance the healthcare services provided in the state. The bill emphasizes the importance of technology in transforming patient care, diagnostics, and treatment methods, aligning with Hawaii's effort to diversify its economy through technological innovation.

Contention

A significant aspect of SCR78 is the request for HCDA to submit a conceptual plan, including any legislative proposals, for the Health Tech Hub by a specified date. This potential legislative involvement could raise discussions around funding, resource allocation, and the degree of government intervention in technological development. As the bill moves forward, it may face scrutiny regarding its feasibility and the expected outcomes of investing in such a hub. Stakeholders may debate the allocation of resources and the extent to which government should play a role in fostering technological innovation in the healthcare sector.