STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2761

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3139

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3139, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to update the functions and responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Amends the statutory responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency;

(2) Defines "health care" for purposes of Chapter 323D, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

(3) Exempts from certificate of need requirements:

(A) Bed changes that involve thirty per cent of a facility's total existing licensed beds within a two-year period; and

(B) Health care facilities or services operated by the Department of Health.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that this measure establishes as a principal function of the State Health Planning and Development Agency the promotion of universal access to high-quality, equitable, and affordable health care for all the people of the State. Your Committee further finds that this focus is vital to Hawaii's public health as health care cost inflation continues to outpace general inflation, which decreases health care access and affordability.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3139, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair