Hawaii Residents, Health Care Leaders Speak Out Against Trumpcare

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In a new video, Senator Mazie K. Hirono, health care leaders from across the state, and the people they serve highlighted the devastating impact that Trumpcare would have on communities across the state.

“Health care is a right, not a privilege for those who can afford it,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii residents have a simple message: oppose this mean, ugly bill.”

Click on the photo above to watch the video

Earlier today, Senate Republicans introduced their latest version of Trumpcare – a bill that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid, a program that nearly one in four Hawaii residents depend on every day.

The video features:

Wes Lo, CEO of Hale Makua Health Services: “If you don’t have a health care system, what does that do to a community? You’ll stop seeing the tourism industry thrive here. You’ll stop seeing real estate thrive here. You’ll probably start seeing a recession and economic collapse here.”

Marie Osaki, Hale Makua Resident: “I really don’t know what would happen. I really don’t want to imagine what would happen. It would be a rough thing.”

Keith Moniz, Brother of Hale Makua Resident: “[Cuts to Medicaid] would be devastating. We had a difficult time taking care of him when he was at home, and he’s gotten the care that he needs here. The staff has been so super. It would be a big loss…I don’t know what we would do, where we would be able to get him.”

Sheila Beckham, CEO of Waikiki Health: “We’ve cranked a few numbers, and we’ve really looked at the devastating effect of having Medicaid go away. What I’ve already decided to do if we lose both of those sources is to close down all the small clinics, shut down admin, shut down the shelter, and only run two clinics. I would lay off between 80 and 100 people.”

Alvin Keohohina, Hale Makua Resident: “I’m not a politician, I don’t know about these health care things. But I know that these programs really help those who are in need. I really hope that they would take a longer look at it and realize that are in need like the elderly and disabled.”

Christina Lee, Chief Medical Officer of Waimanalo Health Center: “Access is not just that there’s different health care plans that you choose and pay for. If people can’t afford them, then that’s not access.”

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