Historic Agreement Approved for the Operation and Management of Maui Region Health Care Facilities

HHSC CEO Remarks Maui Signing

It is a privilege to be here today with all of you at this historic moment for healthcare in Hawaii.

HHSC is proud of the services it has provided in the Maui Region in the past, but also recognizes that to continue to provide healthcare under a government model has limitations.

Healthcare today is a very complex, highly regulated, and rapidly changing business with constant pressure from payors to provide higher quality care at a lower cost.

Development of health information technology, physician networks, quality improvement and expertise in revenue cycle is essential for successful hospital operations.

Hawaii’s private hospitals have invested substantially in these areas and while we try our best, it is challenging for HHSC to keep pace.

Allowing private providers to assume more of the responsibility for healthcare across the state has the potential to bring a higher level of services while also reducing the burden on taxpayers.

It is a logical and positive evolution in neighbor island healthcare as our communities move beyond so called “safety net” services to access a greater array of services closer to home.

The signing of this agreement is the culmination of years of efforts by many individuals inspired by their vision for health services in their community. I applaud their efforts and feel honored to have been a small part of it.

As a physician who has worked in healthcare across the state for over 30 years I am confident this change will bring stability and growth in healthcare jobs for employees, along with increased health services for the residents and visitors of Maui and Lana’i.

I look forward to working with Kaiser to facilitate a smooth and successful transition into the future.

About Hawaii Health Systems Corporation

HHSC consists of five regional systems operating 9 facilities throughout the State of Hawaii: East Hawaii Regional system operates Hilo Medical Center, Ka’u Hospital, Hale Ho’ola Hamakua and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home; West Hawaii Regional system operates Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital; Oahu Regional system operates Leahi Hospital and Maluhia; and Kauai Regional system operates: Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. HHSC has three nonprofit affiliates: Kahuku Medical Center operating a critical access hospital and long-term care facility in rural Oahu; Ali'i Community Care Inc. doing business as (1) Roselani Place providing assisted living on Maui, and (2) Ali'i Health Center: a physician practice in Kona; and Hawaii Health Systems Foundation.

Established by the Legislature in 1996, HHSC is a public benefit corporation of the State of Hawaii. As such, HHSC provides essential safety-net hospital and long term care services throughout the State. Since 1996, HHSC has and continues to fulfill the State’s promise to provide high quality, healthcare to all regardless of whether an individual has health insurance or the ability to pay for the healthcare services they receive.

HHSC Media Contact:
Malia Espinda, Director of Government Relations and Community Affairs
808-383-1015 or mespinda@hhsc.org