FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, September 6, 2003
CONTACT:
Rep. Sol Kaho'ohalahala
808 586 6790
Sen. J. Kalani English
808 587 7225

PRESS RELEASE
September 6, 2003

HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL VISIT MOLOKA'I TO BETTER ASSESS ISLAND NEEDS

(KAUNAKAKAI) Representative Sol Kaho'ohalahala, (D - Lana'i, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe, Kalaupapa, East Maui & Hana) today announced that he will lead a delegation of nine Finance Committee members on a visit to Moloka'i. Senator J. Kalani English ( D - Lana'i, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe, Kalaupapa, East Maui, Upcountry Maui & Hana) , whose district includes Moloka'i and Kalaupapa, will also accompany the delegation.

While on Moloka'i, the delegation will visit the Moloka'i General Hospital and the Kalaupapa Settlement community.

Chairman of the Finance Committee Representative Dwight Takamine says, "The trip will help the Committee better carry out its oversight responsibilities for state funded programs, but first, the committee needs to listen and learn from the Moloka'i community."

Representative Kaho'ohalahala added, "I am glad that for the first time in many years the Finance Committee will be taking the time to come to Moloka'i and get a firsthand account of our health care facilities both in Kaunakakai and in Kalaupapa."

Senator J. Kalani English noted, "I look forward to the participating in the committee's visit and furthering the productive working relationship between the House and Senate at the Legislature. Continuing to foster an open dialogue between the community, the state, and lawmakers helps to ensure that the best interests of Moloka'i residents are protected."

The Committee will spend the morning visiting with staff of Moloka'i General Hospital to learn about the unique health care needs of Moloka'i residents and the challenges faced by the hospital in providing medical and emergency room services to the 7,000 residents on the island of Moloka'i.

The committee will spend the mid-day hearing from Kalaupapa residents and Department of Health officials about the current quality of care, the role of the National Park Service, and the future needs and plans for the care of residents with Hansen's disease at the Settlement.

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