HB 784: Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulance; Department of Health; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the island of Hawaii needs an additional advanced life support ambulance to augment the Hawaii county emergency medical services system for residents of the North Kona area.

     The legislature further finds that access to primary health care in North Kona is challenging for the community.  For many residents, primary care services are as many as thirty miles away.  Coupled with economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the access point for health care to many residents.

     The legislature further finds that resources to operate an additional ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii.  A timely response to a 911 call is critical to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals.  Given the island's significant growth and aging population, an additional ambulance is needed and will be cost-effective.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the operation of an advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii, including operating costs and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operation of an advanced life support ambulance for the island of Hawaii, including operating costs and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel, to be based in Makalei.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for personnel services and other current expenses.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii health systems corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulance; Department of Health; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation; Appropriation

Description:

Makes an appropriation for the operation of an additional ambulance for the island of Hawaii to be based in Makalei.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the island of Hawaii needs an additional advanced life support ambulance to augment the Hawaii county emergency medical services system for residents of the North Kona area.

     The legislature further finds that access to primary health care in North Kona is challenging for the community.  For many residents, primary care services are as many as thirty miles away.  Coupled with economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the access point for health care to many residents.

     The legislature further finds that resources to operate an additional ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii.  A timely response to a 911 call is critical to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals.  Given the island's significant growth and aging population, an additional ambulance is needed and will be cost-effective.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the operation of an advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii, including operating costs and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operation of an advanced life support ambulance for the island of Hawaii, including operating costs and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel, to be based in Makalei.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulance; Appropriation

Description:

Makes an appropriation for the operation of an additional ambulance for the island of Hawaii to be based in Makalei.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the island of Hawaii needs an additional advanced life support ambulance to augment the Hawaii county emergency medical services system for residents of the North Kona area.

     The legislature further finds that access to primary health care in North Kona is challenging for the community.  For many residents, primary care services are as many as thirty miles away.  Coupled with economic and transportation challenges, emergency medical services have become the access point for health care to many residents.

     The legislature further finds that resources to operate an additional ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii.  A timely response to a 911 call is critical to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals.  Given the island's significant growth and aging population, an additional ambulance is needed and will be cost-effective.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys for the operation of an advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii, including operating costs and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical service personnel.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,750,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operation of an additional ambulance for the island of Hawaii, to be based in Makalei.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Emergency Medical Services; Advanced Life Support Ambulance; Appropriation

Description:

Makes an appropriation for the operation of an additional ambulance for the island of Hawaii to be based in Makalei.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1755

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 784

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 784, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the operation of an advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area of the island of Hawaii, including operating and personnel costs.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, County of Hawaii Office of the Mayor, Hawaii County Council - District 8, North Kona, Hawaii Fire Department, Kohala Coast Resort Association, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, and twenty-two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that accessing primary health care in North Kona is challenging for members of the community.  Your Committee further finds that providing resources to operate an additional advanced life support ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Adding an unspecified appropriation for fiscal year 2026‑2027 for the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation for personnel services and other current expenses; and

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion on the measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 784, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 784, H.D. 1, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1147

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 784

       H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 784, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the operation of an additional ambulance for the island of Hawaii to be based in Makalei.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council, Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Kohala Coast Resort Association, American Medical Response, and twenty-six individuals.

     Your Committee finds that access to primary health care in North Kona is challenging for the community with many residents living as many as thirty miles away from primary care services.  Your Committee further finds that resources to operate an additional ambulance will help reduce death and disability among residents and visitors on the island of Hawaii and is critical to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for injured or sick individuals.  Your Committee believes that given Hawaii island's significant growth and aging population, an additional ambulance is needed and will be cost-effective.  This measure provides funding for the operation of an additional advanced life support ambulance on the island of Hawaii to augment the Hawaii County emergency medical services system for residents of the North Kona area.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 784, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  955

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 784

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 784, 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 appropriate funds for the operation of an additional advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; State Health Planning and Development Agency Hawaiʻi Island Subarea Advisory Council; State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Corporate Board of Directors; Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi; American Medical Response; Kohala Coast Resort Association; and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

     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. 784, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  326

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 784

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 784 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the operation of an additional advanced life support ambulance to be based in the Makalei area on the island of Hawaii.  

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Corporate Board of Directors; one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Hawaii Fire Department; American Medical Response; and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

     Your Committee finds that there is an urgent need for an additional advanced life support ambulance to augment the Hawaii County emergency medical services system for residents of the North Kona area on the island of Hawaii.  Your Committee further finds that for residents of the area, primary care services can be as far as thirty miles away.  The vast coverage area, challenging terrain, and increasing traffic congestion all contribute to delayed emergency response times.  The establishment of an additional advanced life support ambulance, as intended by this measure, will significantly improve response capabilities, ensuring residents and visitors receive swift, life-saving care.

     Your Committee notes the consideration provided by the Department of Health in their written testimony before your Committee, regarding whether traditional 911 services would be the most efficient or cost effective for these communities, given the potentially lower emergency call volume.  Your Committee also notes the alternative model suggested by the Department to utilize advanced life support services through community paramedicine or mobile integrated health programs, which are designed to address emergency and non-emergency medical needs at a potentially lower cost.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,750,000.

     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. 784, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 784, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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