Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency And Department Of Health To Hold A Public Meeting For All Certificate Of Need Applications For Any Proposed Special Treatment Facility In Neighborhoods With Community Associations.
The resolution highlights the existing administrative review and standard review processes for CON applications. Currently, the standard review process necessitates at least one public meeting, enabling community members to present arguments and question applicants regarding the proposal. However, many CON applications have been approved without public meetings under the administrative review process, sparking frustration among neighborhood residents who feel sidelined in these decision-making processes. By mandating public meetings, SR15 seeks to enhance transparency and community engagement in healthcare decision-making.
Senate Resolution 15, introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, addresses the process by which health care facilities obtain Certificates of Need (CON). This resolution requests that the State Health Planning and Development Agency and the Department of Health hold public meetings for all CON applications pertaining to proposed special treatment facilities, particularly in neighborhoods that have active community associations. The aim is to ensure that local residents have the opportunity to provide meaningful input into such applications, which can significantly affect their communities.
While this resolution has the potential to empower communities, it could also lead to contention among those advocating for quicker healthcare expansions. Proponents of rapid health facility development might argue that the additional requirement for public meetings could delay necessary healthcare services, especially in situations deemed urgent. Furthermore, there may be disagreements on how community feedback is integrated into the decision-making process and what constitutes an acceptable impact on the healthcare system, particularly in light of varying opinions on healthcare needs within different neighborhoods.