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SR 18

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

Requests health system study feasibility of establishing rural clinic in Volcano community to address healthcare access gaps in remote East Hawaiʻi area.

Referred to HHS.
#feasibilitystudy #hhsceasthawaii #ruralhealthclinic #volcano
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Bill Summary · SR 18

Legislative bill overview

SR 18 is a request resolution urging Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of establishing a rural health clinic or similar health access point specifically serving the Volcano community. The resolution does not create binding requirements but rather asks the health system to investigate whether such a facility is viable and what resources would be needed.

Why is this important

The Volcano community in East Hawaiʻi currently faces geographic and access barriers to healthcare services. A feasibility study could determine whether a local clinic would be cost-effective and medically necessary, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing travel burden for residents in this remote area. This addresses a real gap in rural healthcare infrastructure that affects community health equity.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding uncertainty: The resolution does not specify who funds the feasibility study or subsequent clinic operations, raising questions about budget allocation priorities during fiscal constraints
  • Service viability questions: The Volcano area has a relatively small population; a feasibility study may determine that a standalone clinic cannot operate sustainably without ongoing subsidies
  • Implementation timeline: Even if feasible, establishing new healthcare infrastructure typically requires years; the resolution sets no deadline or accountability measures for the health system to complete or act on findings

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

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