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HB 1574

RELATING TO THE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 20 co-sponsors

HB 1574 establishes Hawaii's healthcare loan repayment program to recruit and retain medical professionals by subsidizing education debt repayment for qualifying healthcare workers.

Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3687) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
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Bill Summary · HB 1574

Legislative bill overview

HB 1574 establishes or modifies Hawaii's Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, which provides financial assistance to healthcare professionals to repay their educational loans. The bill aims to address healthcare workforce shortages by making it more affordable for medical professionals to work in Hawaii, particularly in underserved areas. The program incentivizes healthcare workers to practice in the state by reducing their debt burden.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces documented healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in rural and neighbor islands, which can limit access to medical services for residents. Loan repayment programs are a proven recruitment and retention tool that helps states compete for healthcare talent. This direct financial support can be decisive for professionals deciding where to establish their medical careers, especially given Hawaii's high cost of living.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and sustainability: The bill requires funding mechanisms; lawmakers will debate whether appropriations are sufficient and how long the state can maintain loan repayment commitments
  • Eligibility criteria: Questions may arise about which healthcare professions qualify (physicians, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, etc.), which specialties are prioritized, and whether geographic requirements are too restrictive or too broad
  • Return-on-investment metrics: Uncertainty about whether participants stay in Hawaii after receiving benefits, and how to measure the program's effectiveness in actually reducing workforce shortages versus simply subsidizing professionals who would work there anyway

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

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