The state House passed a bill today that will provide $7.3 million in emergency funding to sustain operations of the Kauai regional health care system.

Officials of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation said the money is needed to help the Kauai region stay afloat through spring 2014.

The organization operates Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, West Kauai Medical Center and three physician clinics in Waimea, Kalaheo and Port Allen.

House Bill 3, House Draft 1 will move over to the Senate for consideration