Bill Overview
Title: A bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs planned to be built in Oahu, Hawaii, as the "Daniel Kahikina Akaka Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic".
Description: This bill designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs that will be built in Oahu, Hawaii, as the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic or the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic.
Sponsors: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Target Audience
Population: veterans in and around Oahu, Hawaii
Estimated Size: 80000
- The primary target population for this bill is veterans residing in or near Oahu, Hawaii, who would benefit from the services of the new VA clinic.
- This includes veterans who currently use VA services and may find this new clinic more accessible.
- Secondary impacts might also be felt by families of veterans who will also benefit from more accessible healthcare for their loved ones.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily aimed at improving accessibility to healthcare services for veterans in the Oahu region of Hawaii. Given the budget constraints, the impact directly correlates with the enhanced convenience and service provision at the new VA clinic.
- While this facility is designated to honor a person, the practical utility involves providing healthcare services to veterans.
- The budget indicates that this is largely a symbolic or naming gesture with minimal direct financial impact. Most expenses will likely be related to signage and promotional materials.
- The primary impact is on veterans who frequently use healthcare services, particularly those who may find existing facilities less accessible.
- Family members of veterans who rely on their improved health and wellbeing may experience indirect benefits, potentially increasing family stability.
- Considering the overall number of veterans in Hawaii, this new facility’s designation is estimated to result in only modest improvements in perceived wellbeing.
- Individuals living farther away from Oahu or who do not identify closely with VA services may feel little to no impact.
- Residents of Hawaii not affiliated with the military or veteran services likely perceive no direct change in their wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Retired veteran (Oahu, Hawaii)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This new clinic means not having to travel out of town for certain appointments.
- I feel respected due to the naming after a well-known figure among veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
VA Healthcare worker (Oahu, Hawaii)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The clinic naming is more symbolic, but could boost moral with veterans.
- Our workload might become more manageable if this facility handles more patients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Kauai, Hawaii)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This wouldn't change much for me, given my location.
- I'm glad it's being honored after a respected figure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Retired (Oahu, Hawaii)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s a relief knowing we might have a closer option for my husband's care.
- The location means a lot less travel hassle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Active Duty (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new clinic is good for after retirement, but doesn't impact me now.
- Glad they’re naming it after someone significant.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Healthcare Administrator (Oahu, Hawaii)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New clinic could ease scheduling and waiting times.
- Personally means better work conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Oahu, Hawaii)
Age: 80 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Naming clinincs in our namesake brings dignity, but physically no change in services perceived.
- Improves the identity and prestige of local veteran services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Lecturer (Maui, Hawaii)
Age: 59 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition is excellent; however, more structural support may have been more beneficial in the long run.
- Students find real-world implications highly useful for education discussions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran Advocate (Hawaii, Hawaii)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Service expansion is limited without full infrastructure; the name gives pride but limited change.
- Awareness needs real impactful programs for lasting change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Farmer (Big Island, Hawaii)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- No direct change from the clinic due to distance.
- Good for Oahu folks, but not my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000 (Low: $30000, High: $70000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The main consideration is the impact on veterans who may feel honored and recognized by the naming of the clinic.
- The actual operational costs and outputs of the clinic remain unaffected by the renaming.