THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2915
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to ambulance services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Makalei fire station was established in 2013 to serve the fast-growing population in north Kona on Hawai‘i island. The steep increase in population has corresponded with a steady increase in calls for emergency medical services, which existing first responders have been able to respond to in eight to thirty minutes, depending on availability.

The legislature further finds that for residents of Makalei, the closest primary care services and facilities are thirty miles away. In addition to economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the main delivery method and access to health care for residents in rural, isolated communities. Due to the lack of resources, it is a common practice for paramedics to respond to ten or more calls for emergency medical transportation during a twenty-four-hour shift. A timely response to a 911 call is critical to reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on Hawai‘i island.

The legislature further finds that in recent years, legislative efforts such as Senate Bill No. 877 (2020) have requested funding to establish a life support ambulance in Makalei. However, past efforts have stalled due to concerns over an insufficient appropriation request and lack of staffing. The legislature finds that more information is necessary to determine the need and approximate cost to purchase one advanced life support ambulance to be based in Makalei, as well as related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of health and county of Hawai‘i to conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of an ambulance service for the town of Makalei, county of Hawai‘i.

SECTION 2. The department of health and the county of Hawaii shall conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of an ambulance service for the town of Makalei in the county of Hawaii. The feasibility shall include a recommendation to most efficiently provide ambulance service for the town of Makalei.

The feasibility study shall be submitted to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2023.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Ambulance Services; Hawaii County; Department of Health; Feasibility Study

Description:

Requires the department of health and county of Hawaii to conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of an ambulance service for the town of Makalei in Hawaii County.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.