STATEMENTS FROM HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEGISLATORS ON PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Legislators shared statements following the December 3, 2025, announcement of a public-private partnership to expand healthcare access on Hawai‘i Island. The initiative, unveiled by Governor Josh Green, The Queen’s Health Systems, and the West Hawaiʻi Region of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, is expected to strengthen services and improve care for communities across the island.

“This partnership is a long-awaited step forward for West Hawaiʻi, and one that I and so many others in the community have worked towards for years. These investments will expand access to essential services, support healthier families, and create new jobs,” said Representative Nicole E. Lowen (House District 7 - Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau, Kalaoa, Pu‘uanahulu, Puakō, portion of Waikoloa).

“This partnership between The Queen’s Health Systems and our public hospital system is a great first step toward delivering the accessible health care that our growing West Hawaiʻi community desperately needs. Mahalo to all those who have brought this effort to this point. We look forward to a healthy discussion of the funding needs in the next Legislative session,” said Senate Majority Leader Dru Mamo Kanuha (Senate District 3 - Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano).

“The caring legacy of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV has endured for generations through the Queen’s Health Systems. This partnership will extend that legacy to Kona, where expanding access to health care is an all-hands effort. In the coming Legislative session, we will be advocating for the resources needed to get these facilities open and serving our community,” said House Majority Caucus Leader Kirstin Kahaloa (House District 6 - Hōnaunau, Nāpo‘opo‘o Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, Kailua-Kona).

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