STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3390

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2159

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Education and Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 2159, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish positions and appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to support health care workforce development in the State.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, Hawaii Pharmacists Association, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association, The Queen's Health Systems, Hawaii Medical Association, LeadingAge Pacific West, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Navian Hawaii, and ten individuals.

Your Committees find that critical workforce shortages in cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health-primary care integration and addiction medicine, which are high-priority concerns for the State, severely limit access to care. The risk burden and low access are especially harmful in rural and underserved areas and in certain minority and vulnerable populations. Investing in the educational workforce pipeline is critical to meeting the needs of current and future patients, especially as the State's population ages. This measure aims to enhance the health care workforce through a team-based system, increase access to care for local communities, and capitalize on partnerships with other public and private organizations.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 31, 2055, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2159, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2159, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Education and Health and Human Services,

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair