Governor Enacts Bill to Provide Funds for Transplant Services

Hawaii Reporter

HONOLULU, HAWAII – Governor Neil Abercrombie on Saturday signed into law House Bill 608, which appropriates state funds to The Queen’s Medical Center to perform kidney and liver transplants and to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai'i to maintain its chronic kidney disease management program.

“Without operational organ transplant services in the state, patients with end-stage diseases must register on transplant waiting lists for mainland transplant centers and many of these patients will face a longer waiting time,” stated Governor Abercrombie who signed HB 608 at The Queen’s Medical Center. “This was a collaborative effort where the Legislature, community members, and health providers understood that lives were at stake. I’m grateful that we are able to make a positive difference.”

This is the first bill enacted by the Governor this session. The sum appropriated, which are subject to dollar-for-dollar private matching funds, include:

• $1.5M to The Queen’s Medical Center to support services to perform kidney and liver transplants in Hawai'i.
• $300,000 to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai'i to maintain its chronic kidney disease management program.

Read more: http://www.hawaiireporter.com/governor-enacts-bill-to-provide-funds-for-transplant-services/123