STAND. COM. REP. NO.  152-12

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1953

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 1953 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to ensure that there are adequate emergency services to Leeward Oahu after the recent closure of Hawaii Medical Center's two hospitals.  This measure appropriates general funds to the Department of Health to assist the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Division with expanding emergency medical services and ambulance services in communities on Leeward Oahu.  This measure also appropriates funds through a grant pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to assist Wahiawa General Hospital in providing additional emergency room services.

 

     The Emergency Services Department of the City and County of Honolulu; Healthcare Association of Hawaii; United Public Workers, AFSCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO; and numerous individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Health testified in support of the intent of this measure.

 

     Your Committee notes that the measure specifies exact locations and hours of specific ambulance units for which an appropriation is being made.  It is your Committee's intent that subsequent committees consider not identifying specific locations and broadening the time to allow for the most efficient and effective use of the appropriation moneys.   

 

     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. 1953 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair