SUPPORTING THE REACTIVATION OF, AND URGING THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO, THE HAWAII HEALTH AUTHORITY TO PLAN FOR A TRANSITION TO A MAXIMALLY COST-EFFECTIVE SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR THE STATE, TO BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER WAIVERS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED TO CAPTURE ALL MAJOR SOURCES OF FEDERAL FUNDING FLOWING TO THE STATE THROUGH MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND TRICARE.

HCR 176 is a concurrent resolution urging the Governor to appoint members to reactivate the Hawaii Health Authority. The resolution directs the Authority to plan for a transition to a single-payer health care system that would cover all state residents, aiming to reduce administrative costs (estimated at 15% savings in hospital and physician billing) by simplifying payment systems. Implementation would require federal waivers to maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare funding, with the Authority required to report progress to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not create new law but seeks to restart planning for a potential system change.