Hawaii House Bill HCR89

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Health To Employ The Team 6b Contact Tracing Team As Permanent Staff And Hire Other Members From The Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Communities In An Effort To Address The Health Inequities That Exist And Create Better Access To Culturally Relevant Programs For Native Hawaiians And Pacific Islanders.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the necessity of culturally relevant health programs and supports the integration of diverse hiring practices to combat the existing inequities faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. By making Team 6B a permanent part of the health response, it aims to ensure that future health interventions are effectively tailored to meet the needs of these communities. HCR89 also calls for the development of a diverse hiring plan, mandating progress reports to be presented to the Legislature in advance of the following legislative session.

Summary

HCR89 urges the Department of Health in Hawaii to hire the Team 6B contact tracing team as permanent staff and to recruit additional members from the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The resolution addresses significant health disparities experienced by these communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they were disproportionately affected, constituting over fifty percent of COVID-19 cases while making up roughly twenty-one percent of the state's population. The resolution also highlights the innovative measures taken by Team 6B, which provided culturally competent outreach and services during the peak of the pandemic.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR89 is overwhelmingly supportive, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to address health disparities within marginalized communities. Lawmakers expressed that the implementation of a permanent team would contribute positively to public health efforts and further enhance community trust in health systems. The resolution is seen as a proactive measure to ensure that culturally competent care is consistently provided, especially during health crises.

Contention

While there appears to be strong bipartisan support for HCR89, potential points of contention could arise regarding the effectiveness of proposed hiring practices and the implementation of culturally relevant programs. Questions may also be raised about the sustainability of funding and resources necessary for Team 6B to continue operating effectively as a permanent entity. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for the resolution's success in truly bridging the health gap faced by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.