Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 1975, H.D. 2, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide critical medical care services for residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii by appropriating funds for two emergency mobile urgent care units.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the County of Hawaii Fire Department, the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii Medical Service Association, and one individual. Your Committee received comments from the Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that the rural communities of the island of Hawaii need enhanced access to health care services. The Department of Health expressed concerns as to the effectiveness of two mobile units being stationed at fire departments, staffing, and how this new proposal differs from existing resources.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by establishing a pilot program through the Department of Health to plan and evaluate urgent care services including the efficacy of mobile units and other service delivery options in the Ocean View and Volcano communities on the island of Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1975, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1975, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.