On February 11, 2025, the Hawaii Senate introduced Senate Bill 101 (SB101), aimed at addressing the state's critical shortage of physicians. The bill proposes a significant change to the tuition structure for medical students at the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine, which currently faces a shortage of nearly 800 doctors.

SB101 highlights the disparity in tuition costs for Hawaii residents and out-of-state students, with resident tuition set at $36,372 and out-of-state tuition at $71,328 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill underscores that while the school admits a majority of Hawaii residents, only about half of the graduating class remains in the state to practice medicine. In contrast, approximately 80% of graduates who complete their residency in Hawaii choose to stay.

The legislation seeks to ensure that graduates benefiting from subsidized resident tuition are committed to serving the local community. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to retain more physicians in Hawaii, where healthcare access is increasingly strained.

Debate surrounding SB101 has focused on the implications of tying tuition benefits to a commitment to practice in Hawaii. Supporters argue that this approach could effectively address the physician shortage, while opponents raise concerns about the feasibility and fairness of enforcing such commitments.

The potential economic and social implications of SB101 are significant. By increasing the number of physicians who remain in Hawaii, the bill could enhance healthcare access and quality for residents, ultimately benefiting the state's overall health outcomes.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the discussions and potential amendments to SB101, which could shape the future of medical education and healthcare in Hawaii.