Honolulu, HI – Governor Neil Abercrombie yesterday signed HB3 HD1, which appropriates $7.3 million for the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) Kauai Region.
“We are very grateful to Gov. Abercrombie and legislators for their strong support and funding of Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital,” said HHSC Kauai Region Interim CEO Scott McFarland. “These are challenging times for hospitals and health care providers. We appreciate that our lawmakers understand the critical role that our hospitals and clinics play in providing quality medical care to the Kauai community.”
On the island, the Kauai Region operates two critical access hospitals, the only inpatient psychiatric unit, a long-term care facility, and three physician clinics.
Facing rising health care costs, lower census, and a decrease in reimbursements, HHSC is working to address the continuation of services while increasing cost efficiency.
“The HHSC looks forward to continuing to work with the Abercrombie Administration and Legislature to help the state’s community-hospital system develop a more sustainable business model that will allow it to serve our island communities more efficiently,” said Alice Hall, HHSC Acting President and CEO.
About Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
HHSC consists of five regional systems operating 9 facilities throughout the State of Hawaii: East Hawaii Regional system operates Hilo Medical Center, Ka’u Hospital, Hale Ho’ola Hamakua and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home; West Hawaii Regional system operates Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital; Oahu Regional system operates Leahi Hospital and Maluhia; and Kauai Regional system operates: Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. HHSC has three nonprofit affiliates: Kahuku Medical Center operating a critical access hospital and long-term care facility in rural Oahu; Ali'i Community Care Inc. doing business as (1) Roselani Place providing assisted living on Maui, and (2) Ali'i Health Center: a physician practice in Kona; and Hawaii Health Systems Foundation.
Established by the Legislature in 1996, HHSC is a public benefit corporation of the State of Hawaii. As such, HHSC provides essential safety-net hospital and long term care services throughout the State. Since 1996, HHSC has and continues to fulfill the State’s promise to provide high quality, healthcare to all regardless of whether an individual has health insurance or the ability to pay for the healthcare services they receive.
HHSC Media Contact:
Malia Espinda, Director of Government Relations and Community Affairs
808-383-1015 or mespinda@hhsc.org
