Kouchi named Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s State Legislator of the Year

Hawaiʻi Senate President and longtime Kauaʻi state legislator Ronald Kouchi was recently honored by a Hawaiʻi nonprofit aimed at creating a healthy Hawaiʻi, where every resident has access to affordable, high quality health care.

Kouchi, who represents state Senate District 8 which consists of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, was named State Legislator of the Year for the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi on Oct. 26 during the organization’s annual awards and scholarship gala.

“I am beyond honored to be given this year’s State Legislator of the Year Award by the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi and to celebrate the many selfless individuals who compassionately and tirelessly work to bring better health care access to their communities,” said Kouchi.

The Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi’s Awards and Scholarship Gala honors community advocates and health care heroes for their contributions to improving health care in Hawaiʻi.

Kouchi has served in the Hawaiʻi Senate since 2010, sitting as president since 2015.

During his time at the state Capitol in Honolulu, he has been a steadfast advocate for health care in Hawaiʻi and on Kauaʻi.

Kouchi helped secure funding in 2022 to expand critical health services throughout the state, including new positions to increase outpatient adult mental health and family health services, and additional funding for emergency medical services.

He also was able to get nearly $1.8 million released in capital improvement funds for the design and construction of facility renovations, repairs, alterations, accessibility and life safety improvements at Hanapēpē Health Center; more than $30,000 in capital improvement funds released to upgrade and replace the hot water heater at Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea; among other health care-related measures since being a legislator.

The Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi mission is to create a healthy Hawaiʻi, where all residents can conveniently access appropriate, affordable, high quality health care, and where health care providers are reimbursed adequately to deliver that care.