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Bill

HB 213

RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Kitagawa and 16 co-sponsors

HB 213 creates a loan repayment assistance program for Hawaii healthcare professionals to address workforce shortages and improve healthcare access in underserved areas.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 213

Legislative bill overview

HB 213 establishes a loan repayment assistance program for healthcare professionals in Hawaii, likely designed to address workforce shortages in medical fields. The bill was introduced with bipartisan support and passed its initial committee review with a unanimous recommendation in March 2025, but was carried over to the 2026 session before final passage.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces documented healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas and specialized fields. Loan repayment programs are a proven recruitment and retention tool that can incentivize healthcare professionals to practice in underserved communities and reduce barriers to entry in medical professions. This directly impacts healthcare access and affordability for Hawaii residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and funding source: The bill's fiscal impact and whether it's adequately funded through state budget allocations or requires new revenue streams
  • Eligibility criteria and geographic targeting: Questions about which healthcare professions qualify, income thresholds, service commitment requirements, and whether benefits prioritize rural/underserved areas
  • Loan cap and repayment limits: Debate over maximum assistance amounts and whether they're sufficient to meaningfully address professional debt levels while remaining fiscally responsible

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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