STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1438-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 3248

S.D. 1

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 3248, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AMBULANCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment, to be based on the island of Molokai, and pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Maui County Council, The Queen's Health Systems, Hāna Health, and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that Molokai currently has only one ambulance to provide emergency medical services to the island's population of over seven thousand residents. Emergency medical services personnel on Molokai must often travel long distances or navigate difficult terrain when responding to calls or transporting patients which, when coupled with adverse weather conditions, can significantly affect response and transport times. This measure will help remediate the disparities in access to trauma care for rural and medically vulnerable communities on Molokai and ensure timely access to trauma treatment.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3248, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3248, S.D. 1, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair