Schatz Secures Commitment From Health Secretary To Support Hawai‘i’s Recovery From Kona Low Storms, Protect Health Care Access

WASHINGTON – During an Appropriations Subcommittee oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) budget request, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured a commitment from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to support Hawai‘i’s recovery efforts following the devastating Kona Low storms that caused massive flooding across the state. In his opening question to Secretary Kennedy, Schatz asked , “We just had a series of storms and flooding events, and President Trump just signed a major disaster declaration. In particular, the Kula Hospital has 105 long-term senior care beds, and it’s no longer operational. The governor just submitted a request for a public health emergency declaration. Do I have your commitment to work together to make sure there's continuity of care for all the people who have been impacted by the floods?” In response, Kennedy affirmed his support for Hawai‘i’s recovery efforts, saying, “You do, Senator, and my staff is already working with the governor's office to make sure that happens as expeditiously as possible.” Video of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Kennedy is available here . ###