Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 1360, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate undetermined funds for emergency medical services at:

(1) Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center;

(2) Hana Community Hospital;

(3) Molokai General Hospital; and

(4) Kahuku Hospital.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Hana Community Health Center, Molokai General Hospital, and a consumer advocate. The Department of Health testified in support of the intent of the bill and suggested an amendment. The Christian Science Committee on Publication for Hawaii commented.

Your Committee notes that the State of Hawaii provides the financial support necessary to allow state hospitals and health facilities to meet the basic primary and urgent health care needs of Hawaii's people. As state funding has decreased, it has been increasingly difficult for certain state hospitals and health centers to meet those needs. Your Committee believes it is especially necessary that health facilities provide the emergency services needed by their communities. This bill would provide specified hospitals or health centers in Waianae, Hana, Molokai, and Kahuku with funding for those emergency medical services.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1360, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.