Report Title:

Appropriation; Bay Clinic Inc.

Description:

Appropriates funds for Bay Clinic Inc. for the construction of a new medical building and repairs and renovations to reopen an existing building.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1129

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR HUMAN SERVICES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Bay Clinic Inc. is a multi-site community health center with primary care and outreach sites throughout the island of Hawaii. It has grown to become the largest community health center network there, encompassing Hilo, Puna, and Ka'u. Bay Clinic Inc. is an integral part of the health care system in Hawaii county. Always responding to community need, Bay Clinic has added needed services to its core medical, dental, and mental healthcare. Largely through Bay Clinic's pioneering efforts, the federal government has recognized the dire health statistics of Hawaii county residents and has responded accordingly.

Hawaii county has the largest proportionate share of people on welfare and food stamps, and on fixed incomes such as Social Security, disability, and pensions, than the other islands. Bay Clinic's target population is the uninsured and those on medicaid. Without the Bay Clinic network of health centers, the health care needs of a significant portion of needy residents would go unmet.

Health indicators for communities on Hawaii show a population at risk for health problems typical of economically depressed areas. The construction of a new medical building will increase the medical service capacity of the Hilo Bay Clinic to meet a growing patient base.

Hawaii county is also one of the most undeserved areas in the State for dental care. Bay Clinic plans to provide dental services in Hilo by repairing and renovating a current building for dental care to serve the uninsured and medicaid patients, and to provide training in dental support services.

The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation for Bay Clinic Inc. to make minor renovations to an existing clinic and construct a new medical building.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for plans, design, and construction of a new medical building, and for repairs and renovations to an existing clinic, for Bay Clinic Inc.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.

INTRODUCED BY:

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