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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Werkheiser

HR 112 calls for planning a Health Tech Hub in Kakaako to boost healthcare technology, enhance services, create jobs, and develop a skilled workforce in Hawaii.

House Read and Adopted

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 112
Title: Requesting the Hawaii Community Development Authority to Initiate the Planning of a Health Tech Hub in Kakaako
Introduced: January 03, 2025
Status: Referred to WAL/HLT, FIN, referral sheet 22
Classification: Resolution
Subject Areas: HCDA, HTDC, Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, Health Care Technology, Health Tech Hub, JABSOM, UH Cancer Center

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 112 is to encourage the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to begin planning for a Health Tech Hub in Kakaako. This initiative seeks to accelerate the adoption of healthcare technology and foster the growth of Hawaii's highly skilled healthcare workforce. By establishing a dedicated hub, the bill intends to enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals, technology developers, and educational institutions.

Key Provisions

Planning Initiation: The HCDA is tasked with initiating the planning process for the Health Tech Hub in Kakaako.

Focus on Healthcare Technology: The hub will serve as a center for the development and implementation of advanced healthcare technologies.

Workforce Development: The bill emphasizes the importance of promoting the growth of a skilled healthcare workforce in Hawaii, aligning educational programs with industry needs.

Collaboration: The resolution encourages partnerships between various stakeholders, including the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, and local educational institutions such as the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Impact

The establishment of a Health Tech Hub is expected to:
- Enhance Healthcare Delivery: By facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies, the hub aims to improve healthcare services and outcomes for residents.
- Economic Growth: The initiative could stimulate economic development in the Kakaako area by attracting tech companies and healthcare innovators.
- Job Creation: A focus on workforce development may lead to the creation of new jobs in the healthcare and technology sectors.

Procedural Timeline

January 03, 2025: HR 112 is introduced in the House.

January 31, 2025: The bill is referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

March 07, 2025: The bill is offered for consideration.

March 14, 2025: The bill is referred to the Committees on Water and Land (WAL), Health (HLT), and Finance (FIN).

Related Legislation

HCR 116: This bill serves as a companion resolution to HR 112, indicating a broader legislative effort to support health technology initiatives in Hawaii.

In summary, HR 112 represents a strategic move to enhance Hawaii's healthcare landscape through technology and workforce development, with the potential for significant economic and social benefits.

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