HHSC Briefings on Neighbor Islands Start Next Week

The House Finance and Senate Ways & Means Joint Committee will continue a series of informational briefings on Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) next week on the Neighbor Islands. HHSC is a network of Hawaii's public hospital facilities. Recently, HHSC informed the Legislature that it faces a potential $62 million shortfall for fiscal year 2009. The first briefing on Oahu was held on July 11th. You can view all the material presented here. The first Neighbor Island stop will be on Maui. View the official hearing notice here.

WHEN: Monday, August 11, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc, Family Center Classroom, 99 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, Maui

WHO: The HHSC administration and the Maui Regional Board have been invited to participate. Public testimony will also be accepted.

ISSUES:
*As HHSC takes action to manage the shortfall, what will be the impacts to services?
*Can HHSC implement their plan of action without Legislative approval?
*What will be the impacts to the communities served by HHSC hospitals?
*What assistance has been provided by the Governor and state administration?
*What are HHSC's options as it strives to fulfill its mission?
*What are the fiscal and management issues critical to the ongoing operation of HHSC?

The public may submit testimony. The deadline is Friday, August 8, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.

In Person: Submit one (1) copy to the Committee Clerk, State Capitol, Room 210.

By Fax: Comments may be faxed if less than 5 pages in length. Fax to: Senate Sergeant-at-Arms at 586-6659 or 1-800-586-6659 (toll free for neighbor islands.)

By Email: Comments may be emailed if less than 5 pages in length. Email to: Joint Committee at testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov. DO NOT EMAIL TO INDIVIDUAL SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES AS IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Late Testimony: Persons wishing to submit testimony after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2008 must bring 35 copies of their comments to the briefing on Maui.