Why Hawaiʻi's Health Care System Must Change
Health care in Hawaiʻi has long been a source of pride. But today, families are feeling rising costs, longer waits, uneven access, and persistent disparities. Employers are paying more. Patients are paying more. Providers are stretched thin. The system works hard, but it’s not working well enough.
If we want a healthier future for Hawaiʻi, we must be honest about what isn’t working and willing to rethink how care is organized and delivered.
*(1) UHERO: The Hawaiʻi Housing Factbook 2024 (2) Cost of Living (3) Maui Now: Exodus of Hawaiʻi Residents (4) Hawaiʻi Free Press: Hawaiʻi Cities Are Shrinking (5) Maui Now: Hawaiʻi’s Homeless Rate Soars (6) United for ALICE: State of ALICE in Hawaiʻi 2025 Report (7) Hawaiʻi Free Press: 2024 Healthcare Workforce Initiative Report (8) State of Hawaiʻi – Older Americans Act Publication (9) UHERO: Monitoring Equity and Access (10) Community First Hawaiʻi: Access to Care