STAND. COM. REP. NO. 669-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1965

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1965, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PRIMARY CARE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a Primary Care Provider Working Group within the State Health Planning and Development Agency to address issues relating to, and develop recommendations for the stabilization of, primary care services in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; ʻAhahui o nā Kauka; AARP Hawaiʻi; Kuakini Health System; Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association; Hawaii Medical Service Association; Hawaii Healthcare Task Force; Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center; Ka Ohana O Na Pua; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians, Legislative Committee; and Hawaii Association of Health Plans.

Your Committee finds that a strong primary care system is the foundation of affordable, high-quality health care. Better access to, and utilization of, primary care improves chronic disease management, increases life expectancies, reduces avoidable healthcare visits, and lowers health care costs.

Your Committee further finds that the State faces an acute primary care access crisis. This measure establishes a Primary Care Provider Working Group to address issues relating to, and develop recommendations for, the stabilization of primary care health services in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1965, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair