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SCR 21

REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI HEALTH SYSTEMS CORPORATION'S EAST HAWAIʻI REGIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ESTABLISHING A RURAL HEALTH CLINIC OR COMPARABLE RURAL HEALTH ACCESS POINT TO SERVE THE VOLCANO COMMUNITY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorraine Inouye and 3 co-sponsors

Resolution requests a feasibility study for establishing a rural health clinic in Volcano, Hawai'i to improve access to healthcare services for underserved residents.

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#feasibilitystudy #hhsceasthawaii #ruralhealthclinic #volcano
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Bill Summary · SCR 21

Legislative bill overview

SCR 21 is a concurrent resolution requesting that Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation's East Hawai'i Regional Health Care System conduct a feasibility study on establishing a rural health clinic or similar health access facility to serve the Volcano community. The study would evaluate the viability, costs, and operational requirements for such a facility in this underserved area.

Why is this important

The Volcano community in East Hawai'i currently has limited access to primary care and preventive health services, requiring residents to travel significant distances for medical care. Establishing local health infrastructure could improve health outcomes, reduce emergency room burden, and address healthcare disparities in rural Hawaiian communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanisms: The resolution requests a feasibility study but doesn't specify budget allocation, raising questions about who funds the study and any subsequent facility development
  • Staffing and sustainability: Rural health clinics struggle with provider recruitment and retention; the study must address whether adequate healthcare professionals would relocate to or serve Volcano
  • Cost-benefit analysis: The study needs to determine if patient volume justifies operational costs, and whether existing telemedicine or mobile clinic options might be more cost-effective alternatives

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

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