STAND. COM. REP. NO.  704-16

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2016

RE:   H.B. No. 2434

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2434, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to augment and expand the emergency medical services system on the island of Hawaii for the health and safety of residents and visitors by appropriating funds:

     (1)  To establish and staff an advanced life support ambulance unit in Puna; and

     (2)  For the operation of emergency medical services in North Kona.

The East Hawaii Region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaii, Hawaii Fire Department, Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, United Public Workers, AFSCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO, Hawaiian Shores Community Association, Malama O Puna, Brave Ventures, and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Health and a concerned individual provided comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2434, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair