Gov. Josh Green, who is also a medical doctor, is making good on a campaign commitment by signing legislation that expands access to health care on Maui and increases career opportunities for the state’s healthcare workers.
One bill authorizes the issuance of up to $20 million in special purpose revenue bonds to assist West Maui Hospital Foundation Inc. in the construction of West Maui Hospital and Medical Center in the county of Maui, including any necessary infrastructure. Another bill appropriates funds for the expansion of the certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program at the University of Hawaii Maui College, including funding for instructional costs and student aid.
“These bills emphasize the importance of our health and education systems, in meeting the healthcare needs of residents across our state,” Green said in a release from his office. “Both bills represent the collaborative efforts between my Administration and the Legislature to help address these needs.”
Green said the creation of an acute-care hospital is a priority for West Maui. “In addition to providing greater access to health care for the people of Maui, completion of a West Maui Hospital and Medical Center will also generate excellent job opportunities for residents in the community,” Green said in the release, noting the island has seen tremendous growth.
The signing of the bill was applauded by Jo Anne Johnson Winer, of the West Maui Hospital Foundation. “We are so very grateful to Governor Green for signing this bill, authorizing up to $20M in special purpose revenue bonds to help our foundation with financing costs for the long-planned West Maui Hospital and Medical Center,” Winer said. “Our West Maui community can now see its long-time hopes and dreams become reality.”
In addition, Green signed HB 353 to address a statewide shortage of healthcare workers. The bill appropriates $130,000 for instructional costs for the Certified Nurse Aide-to-Practical Nurse Bridge Program at the University of Hawaii Maui College; and $200,000 to provide student aid to participants in the CNA-to-LPN Program at the school, per a release. The funds are for tuition, fees, supplies, and related costs.
According to the release, the program is designed so working certified nurse aides and other health care professionals can become licensed practical nurses. “This funding contributes to a robust education system in providing health workforce education and training, to enhance the quality of health care in our community and address the dire shortage of health care workers in our state,” Green said.
A partnership with Hale Makua, ʻOhana Pacific Health, and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii provides eligible Maui and Oʻahu health care professionals with the opportunity to become LPNs while they are working.