THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	98
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPROVING EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION ON THE ISLAND OF KAUAI.

     WHEREAS, the protection and preservation of the health of Hawaii's people is a matter of compelling state interest; and

     WHEREAS, emergency ambulance services, available twenty-four hours a day, can help reduce medical emergency deaths, injuries, and permanent long-term disability, and are a key component of the State's comprehensive emergency medical services system; and

     WHEREAS, a timely response and immediate transport to an acute care treatment facility are keys to preventing irreversible damage or death; and

     WHEREAS, the island of Kauai has five ambulance units that are located in:

     (1)  Princeville, serving from north of Anahola and the entire north shore;

     (2)  Kapaa, serving just north of Anahola until north of the Wailua Golf course;

     (3)  Lihue, serving from north of Wailua Golf course to Halfway Bridge;

     (4)  Koloa, serving from Halfway Bridge to Brydswood; and

     (5)  Waimea, serving Brydswood and the entire west side of Kauai; and

     WHEREAS, while the five units have worked out a "back-up" coverage plan that has adequately served the island, it has created hardships for emergency medical services personnel and the public; and

     WHEREAS, more needs to be done in the face of Kauai's population growth, such as:

(1)  Ensuring coverage for areas such as Kalaheo, when Waimea or Poipu ambulance units are unavailable; and

(2)  Supporting medical infrastructure and emergency resources available at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital; and

     WHEREAS, although the recent recession has slowed the future planned development for Kauai, the population on the west side of Kauai is projected to increase dramatically; and a large number of residents are elderly persons, which increases the need for immediate emergency care; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2010, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Health is requested to study the feasibility of improving emergency medical transportation services on Kauai by developing a more comprehensive coordination plan between ambulance units, hiring more staff, making better use of volunteers, and establishing an ambulance unit on the west side of Kauai, based in Kalaheo, and in any other viable manner as determined by the Department; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2011; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Health, and Mayor of Kauai.

Report Title: 

Ambulance Dispatch Center; Kauai