SB 2261: Huli Au Ola; Physician and Dentist Retention; Molokai; Study; Grant; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Huli Au Ola, Maui county area health education center, provides support and assistance to underserved and rural areas of Maui county.  The island of Molokai is the area most underserved by non-primary care physicians and dentists.  The retention of physicians and dentists is critical to the Molokai community of approximately seven thousand residents.  With only one airline serving the island of Molokai, the lack of medical professionals on Molokai is critical.  Many Molokai residents cannot afford to travel to seek medical and dental care.  Although telehealth is available for most community members, more serious conditions require an in-person visit with a medical professional.

     The purpose of this Act is to require Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Huli Au Ola shall conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.

     (b)  The study shall include information related to:

     (1)  Recruitment;

     (2)  Retention;

     (3)  Housing availability;

     (4)  Transportation availability;

     (5)  Airline availability;

     (6)  Partnerships;

     (7)  Communication; and

     (8)  Evaluation processes.

     SECTION 3.  Huli Au Ola shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 as a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to Huli Au Ola to study the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Huli Au Ola; Physician and Dentist Retention; Molokai; Study; Grant; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Huli Au Ola, Maui county area health education center, provides support and assistance to underserved and rural areas of Maui county.  The island of Molokai is the area most underserved by non-primary care physicians and dentists.  The retention of physicians and dentists is critical to the Molokai community of approximately seven thousand residents.  With only one airline serving the island of Molokai, the lack of medical professionals on Molokai is critical.  Many Molokai residents cannot afford to travel to seek medical and dental care.  Although telehealth is available for most community members, more serious conditions require an in-person visit with a medical professional.

     The purpose of this Act is to require Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Huli Au Ola shall conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to serve the island of Molokai.

     (b)  The study shall include information related to:

     (1)  Recruitment;

     (2)  Retention;

     (3)  Housing availability;

     (4)  Transportation availability;

     (5)  Airline availability;

     (6)  Partnerships;

     (7)  Communication; and

     (8)  Evaluation processes.

     SECTION 3.  Huli Au Ola shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 as a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to Huli Au Ola to study the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to serve the island of Molokai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Huli Au Ola; Physician and Dentist Retention; Molokai; Study; Grant; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to serve the island of Molokai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Huli Au Ola, Maui county area health education center, provides support and assistance to underserved and rural areas of Maui county.  The island of Molokai is the area most underserved by non-primary care physicians and dentists.  The retention of physicians and dentists is critical to the Molokai community of approximately seven thousand residents.  With only one airline serving the island of Molokai, the lack of medical professionals on Molokai is critical.  Many Molokai residents cannot afford to travel to seek medical and dental care.  Although telehealth is available for most community members, more serious conditions require an in-person visit with a medical professional.

     The purpose of this Act is to require Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Huli Au Ola shall conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to serve the island of Molokai.

     (b)  The study shall include information related to:

     (1)  Recruitment;

     (2)  Retention;

     (3)  Housing availability;

     (4)  Transportation availability;

     (5)  Airline availability;

     (6)  Partnerships;

     (7)  Communication; and

     (8)  Evaluation process.

     SECTION 3.  Huli Au Ola shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 as a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to Huli Au Ola to study the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to serve the island of Molokai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Huli Au Ola; Physician and Dentist Retention; Molokai; Study; Grant; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to serve the island of Molokai.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Huli Au Ola, Maui county area health education center, provides support and assistance to underserved and rural areas of Maui county.  The island of Molokai is the area most underserved by non-primary care physicians and dentists.  The retention of physicians and dentists is critical to the Molokai community of approximately seven thousand residents.  With only one airline serving the island of Molokai, the lack of medical professionals on Molokai is critical.  Many Molokai residents cannot afford to travel to seek medical and dental care.  Although telehealth is available for most community members, more serious conditions require an in-person visit with a medical professional.

     The purpose of this Act is to require Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to be located on and serve the island of Molokai.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Huli Au Ola shall conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to serve the island of Molokai.

     (b)  The study shall include information related to:

     (1)  Recruitment;

     (2)  Retention;

     (3)  Housing availability;

     (4)  Transportation availability;

     (5)  Airline availability;

     (6)  Partnerships;

     (7)  Communication; and

     (8)  Evaluation process.

     SECTION 3.  Huli Au Ola shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 as a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to Huli Au Ola to study the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists to serve the island of Molokai.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Huli Au Ola; Physician and Dentist Retention; Molokai; Study; Grant; Appropriation

Description:

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to serve the island of Molokai.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2026.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2860

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2261

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2261, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to address the shortage of physicians and dentists on the island of Molokai.

     Specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Requires Huli Au Ola, Maui County Area Health Education Center, to conduct a study on the recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists on the island of Molokai;

     (2)  Requires Huli Au Ola to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

     (3)  Appropriates moneys to Huli Au Ola as a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to conduct the study.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Dental Association, AlohaCare, Hawaii Medical Association, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that Molokai is experiencing a shortage of non-primary care physicians and dentists.  Because only a single airline serves the island, this shortage is exacerbated for Molokai residents, many of whom cannot afford to travel off-island to seek medical and dental care.  This measure appropriates moneys for a study to assess factors that contribute to the shortage and to recommend ways to improve Molokai's recruitment and retention of physicians and dentists.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2261, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2578

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2261

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2261 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to serve the island of Molokai; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Medical Association, AlohaCare, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that Molokai's limited transportation options and high cost of travel compound patient access challenges, leading to delayed care and poorer health outcomes for local families.  A structured assessment of the barriers to recruiting and retaining physicians and dentists on Molokai will equip policymakers with the information needed to design effective incentives, partnerships, and long-term strategies to improve access to continuous medical care for the community.  Accordingly, this measure promotes health equity across the islands.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2261, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2261, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,