“The recent selection of Kaiser Permanente to operate and manage the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) Maui Regional System facilities raises many questions and causes me to be concerned, not only with the process for the selection, but also the actions to be taken going forward in negotiating an agreement.
From all accounts, Hawaii Pacific Health had been working with stakeholders for months and expressed interest in ensuring that the needs of the Maui Regional System and the community it serves would be met. Kaiser Permanente, however, only more recently expressed interest in servicing the community. It remains to be seen whether Kaiser possesses the same level of commitment to the well-being of the residents of Maui County.
Moving forward, I believe that greater transparency should take place as negotiations continue and the best interest for the people of Maui and the people of Hawaii should be held at the highest level.
I encourage the community to let their voices be heard about their concerns. I believe more questions should be raised concerning how health care will be provided for those not within the network and the type of services that will be provided.
Furthermore, in the event that the community’s concerns and questions are not adequately addressed, I believe that we should not rush to complete a deal that does not adequately benefit the people of Maui County. Instead, I believe it is incumbent upon the Governor to keep the people’s best interest in mind and consider halting negotiations, if necessary, and commit to providing the emergency funds needed for the State to keep the hospitals running until a proper deal can be negotiated.
I ask that all those involved in the negotiations remain mindful of what’s important for the people of Maui.”