State Legislature considers privatizing hospitals brief

HONOLULU (AP) — A bill to allow regional hospitals to be bought by private companies

has advanced at the State Legislature.  The bill was prompted by a bid from nonprofit Banner 

Health to run hospitals on the Big Island and Maui. Supporters say they favor privatization 

for public hospitals that lack money and resources to provide quality health care. Opponents 

worry privatization could lead to job cuts and don’t want a mainland company controlling 

local healthcare.   The bill was approved last week by the Senate Health Committee and sent 

to the Committee on Ways and Means.