Hanabusa Votes in Support of Hawaii Medical Center for Servicemembers, Veterans

Press Release

U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for a bill that would authorize funding for the lease of an outpatient medical center in Ewa on the island of Oahu, which will serve our veterans, military servicemembers, and their families.

H.R. 3521 authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out specified major medical facility leases in several states, including Hawaii. The Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center, which supports the parent facility of the VA Pacific Island Health Care System (VAPIHCS) in Honolulu, will include a clinic for the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, with VA and the Department of Defense sharing support services.

"When our men and women in uniform put themselves in harm's way to defend our nation, we have an obligation to take care of them and their families," said Hanabusa, "and that responsibility does not vanish after they return from combat. The Leeward Outpatient Healthcare Access Center will provide our veterans, military personnel, and their families with essential health care services including primary care, mental health, and specialty care services. It will also serve as an alternative, convenient location for those who reside in our Ewa, Leeward, and North Shore communities.

"In 2012, Senator Daniel K. Inouye championed an effort to name the Center after Senator Daniel K. Akaka, who worked tirelessly throughout his career to improve the quality life of our veterans and military servicemembers. The Hawaii Delegation at that time wrote a strong letter of support for this provision, but Congress unfortunately did not take any action. That being said, I will be introducing legislation tomorrow to rename the facility after Senator Akaka to honor his unwavering commitment to our nation's heroes."

Source