SB 3203: DOH; State Emergency Medical Services System; Statewide Air Medical Services Program; Positions; Emergency Medical Services Special Fund
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-02
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-04: Act 084, on 06/04/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1184).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill creates a Statewide Air Medical Services Program in the Department of Health and adds three permanent staff — a physician air medical director, a program manager, and an air medical coordinator — to oversee and coordinate air ambulance and interfacility air transport across the islands. It requires licensed air medical providers to participate in statewide coordination, data reporting, and quality improvement, and allows the department to charge annual licensure and accreditation fees that are deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund to pay for the program.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services. Provides for an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator. Provides for annual licensure and accreditation fees to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the program.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3203 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that demand for emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services has increased substantially over the past decade, with annual flight volumes exceeding pre-2020 levels by more than one thousand transports. However, statutory authority, governance structures, and department of health staffing dedicated to air medical services have not kept pace, resulting in fragmented coordination, prolonged transport times, and inefficient systems.
The legislature recognizes that the emergency medical services and injury prevention systems branch of the department of health lacks permanent, dedicated air medical staffing to support statewide coordination, regulatory oversight, quality improvement, data governance, and disaster readiness.
The legislature further finds that statewide air medical performance data demonstrate persistent delays that exceed nationally recognized benchmarks for rural and remote emergency care, reflecting structural gaps in coordination and governance rather than performance issues with isolated providers.
The legislature acknowledges that nationally recognized best practices emphasize centralized governance, clinically driven coordination, continuous quality improvement, and integration with trauma, stroke, cardiac, acute care, emergency medical systems, and disaster response. In an island state, air medical services are a core public health, public safety, and emergency preparedness function.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a statewide air medical services program.
SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§321- Statewide air medical services program; staffing and authority. (a) There is established within the department's emergency medical services and injury prevention system branch a statewide air medical services program to provide governance, coordination, oversight, quality improvement, and disaster readiness for the State's emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services.
(b) The department shall establish the following permanent positions, who shall be exempt from chapter 76, to carry out the purposes of this section:
(1) A state air medical director, who shall be a physician licensed in the State with experience in emergency medicine, trauma care, or critical care transport, who shall provide statewide clinical and medical oversight of air medical services;
(2) A state air medical program manager, who shall be responsible for program administration; policy development; system planning; interagency coordination; and integration of air medical services with emergency medical services, trauma systems, and health care facilities; and
(3) An air medical coordinator, who shall support operational coordination, data oversight, compliance monitoring, performance improvement activities, and coordination with licensed air medical providers, county emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, and emergency management partners.
(c) The positions established pursuant to subsection (b) shall be permanent and recurring and shall not be contingent upon temporary programs, pilot projects, or time-limited funding.
(d) The statewide air medical services program, under the direction of the director of health, may:
(1) Provide statewide clinical governance and medical direction for emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical services;
(2) Develop, adopt, and implement statewide air medical policies, procedures, and clinical protocols consistent with nationally recognized standards;
(3) Coordinate emergency air medical and interfacility air medical transport services across counties to improve timeliness, health equity, and access to care;
(4) Oversee the participation of licensed air medical providers in data-based quality improvement programs;
(5) Support statewide disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities involving air medical transport, including multi-island and mass-casualty incidents; and
(6) Coordinate with county emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, trauma centers, stroke centers, acute care facilities, emergency management agencies, and other public and private partners.
(e) As a condition of licensure, all air medical providers operating within the State shall cooperate with and participate in statewide air medical coordination, data reporting, and quality improvement activities as required by the department.
(f) The statewide air medical services program shall coordinate with the state emergency medical services advisory committee and may establish advisory or quality improvement committees as necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
(g) The department shall establish and assess annual air medical ambulance licensure and accreditation fees for all air medical providers operating within the State. The fees shall be reasonable, non-refundable, and sufficient to fully cover the costs associated with:
(1) Administration and oversight of the statewide air medical services program;
(2) Licensure, accreditation verification, compliance monitoring, and enforcement activities;
(3) Statewide air medical coordination and quality improvement initiatives;
(4) Data collection, analysis, and reporting requirements; and
(5) Coordination and integration with state and county emergency management, emergency medical services, and disaster preparedness partners.
The fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited into the emergency medical services special fund established pursuant to section 321-234 and shall be used solely for the purposes of administering and supporting the statewide air medical services program and staff, and its emergency management coordination functions.
(h) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."
SECTION 3. Section 321-234, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The moneys in the special fund shall be distributed as follows:
(1) Beginning with fiscal year 2021-2022,
$3,500,000 shall be distributed each fiscal year to a county operating a county
emergency medical services system pursuant to part XI of chapter 46 for the
operation of that system; [and]
(2) Fees remitted pursuant to section 321- shall be used solely for the purposes of administering and supporting the statewide air medical services program and staff, and its emergency management coordination functions; and
[(2)] (3) The remainder shall be distributed to
the department for operating the system established pursuant to this chapter,
including enhanced and expanded services, and shall not be used to supplant
funding for emergency medical services authorized prior to July 1, 2004."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
DOH; State Emergency Medical Services System; Statewide Air Medical Services Program; Positions; Emergency Medical Services Special Fund
Description:
Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services. Establishes the positions of an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator. Specifies that annual licensure and accreditation fees are to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the program. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3203 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that demand for emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services has increased substantially over the past decade, with annual flight volumes exceeding pre-2020 levels by more than one thousand transports. However, statutory authority, governance structures, and department of health staffing dedicated to air medical services have not kept pace, resulting in fragmented coordination, prolonged transport times, and inefficient systems.
The legislature recognizes that the emergency medical services and injury prevention systems branch of the department of health lacks permanent, dedicated air medical staffing to support statewide coordination, regulatory oversight, quality improvement, data governance, and disaster readiness.
The legislature further finds that statewide air medical performance data demonstrate persistent delays that exceed nationally recognized benchmarks for rural and remote emergency care, reflecting structural gaps in coordination and governance rather than performance issues with isolated providers.
The legislature acknowledges that nationally recognized best practices emphasize centralized governance, clinically driven coordination, continuous quality improvement, and integration with trauma, stroke, cardiac, acute care, emergency medical systems, and disaster response. In an island state, air medical services are a core public health, public safety, and emergency preparedness function.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a statewide air medical services program.
SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§321- Statewide air medical services program; staffing and authority. (a) There is established within the department's emergency medical services and injury prevention system branch a statewide air medical services program to provide governance, coordination, oversight, quality improvement, and disaster readiness for the State's emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services.
(b) The department shall establish the following permanent positions, who shall be exempt from chapter 76, to carry out the purposes of this section:
(1) A state air medical director, who shall be a physician licensed in the State with experience in emergency medicine, trauma care, or critical care transport, who shall provide statewide clinical and medical oversight of air medical services;
(2) A state air medical program manager, who shall be responsible for program administration; policy development; system planning; interagency coordination; and integration of air medical services with emergency medical services, trauma systems, and healthcare facilities; and
(3) An air medical coordinator, who shall support operational coordination, data oversight, compliance monitoring, performance improvement activities, and coordination with licensed air medical providers, county emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, and emergency management partners.
(c) The positions established pursuant to subsection (b) shall be permanent and recurring and shall not be contingent upon temporary programs, pilot projects, or time-limited funding.
(d) The statewide air medical services program, under the direction of the director of health, may:
(1) Provide statewide clinical governance and medical direction for emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical services;
(2) Develop, adopt, and implement statewide air medical policies, procedures, and clinical protocols consistent with nationally recognized standards;
(3) Coordinate emergency air medical and interfacility air medical transport services across counties to improve timeliness, health equity, and access to care;
(4) Oversee the participation of licensed air medical providers in data-based quality improvement programs;
(5) Support statewide disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities involving air medical transport, including multi-island and mass-casualty incidents; and
(6) Coordinate with county emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, trauma centers, stroke centers, acute care facilities, emergency management agencies, and other public and private partners.
(e) As a condition of licensure, all air medical providers operating within the State shall cooperate with and participate in statewide air medical coordination, data reporting, and quality improvement activities as required by the department.
(f) The statewide air medical services program shall coordinate with the state emergency medical services advisory committee and may establish advisory or quality improvement committees as necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
(g) The department shall establish and assess annual air medical ambulance licensure and accreditation fees for all air medical providers operating within the State. The fees shall be reasonable, non-refundable, and sufficient to fully cover the costs associated with:
(1) Administration and oversight of the statewide air medical services program;
(2) Licensure, accreditation verification, compliance monitoring, and enforcement activities;
(3) Statewide air medical coordination and quality improvement initiatives;
(4) Data collection, analysis, and reporting requirements; and
(5) Coordination and integration with state and county emergency management, emergency medical services, and disaster preparedness partners.
The fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited into the emergency medical services special fund established pursuant to section 321-234 and shall be used solely for the purposes of administering and supporting the statewide air medical services program and staff, and its emergency management coordination functions.
(h) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section."
SECTION 3. Section 321-234, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The moneys in the special fund shall be distributed as follows:
(1) Beginning with fiscal year 2021-2022,
$3,500,000 shall be distributed each fiscal year to a county operating a county
emergency medical services system pursuant to part XI of chapter 46 for the
operation of that system; [and]
(2) Fees remitted pursuant to section 321- shall be used solely for the purposes of administering and supporting the statewide air medical services program and staff, and its emergency management coordination functions; and
[(2)] (3) The remainder shall be distributed to
the department for operating the system established pursuant to this chapter,
including enhanced and expanded services, and shall not be used to supplant
funding for emergency medical services authorized prior to July 1, 2004."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOH; State Emergency Medical Services System; Statewide Air Medical Services Program; Emergency Medical Services Special Fund
Description:
Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services. Establishes an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator. Specifies that annual licensure and accreditation fees are to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the program. 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.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3203 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that demand for emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services has increased substantially over the past decade, with annual flight volumes exceeding pre-2020 levels by more than one thousand transports. However, statutory authority, governance structures, and department of health staffing dedicated to air medical services have not kept pace, resulting in fragmented coordination, prolonged transport times, and inefficient systems.
The legislature recognizes that the emergency medical services and injury prevention systems branch of the department of health lacks permanent, dedicated air medical staffing to support statewide coordination, regulatory oversight, quality improvement, data governance, and disaster readiness.
The legislature further finds that statewide air medical performance data demonstrate persistent delays that exceed nationally recognized benchmarks for rural and remote emergency care, reflecting structural gaps in coordination and governance rather than performance issues with isolated providers.
The legislature acknowledges that nationally recognized best practices emphasize centralized governance, clinically driven coordination, continuous quality improvement, and integration with trauma, stroke, cardiac, acute care, emergency medical systems, and disaster response. In an island state, air medical services are a core public health, public safety, and emergency preparedness function.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Establish permanent, dedicated air medical staffing within the emergency medical services and injury prevention systems branch of the department of health;
(2) Strengthen statewide governance, coordination, and oversight of emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical services;
(3) Support data-driven quality improvement, accountability, and performance monitoring;
(4) Enhance disaster preparedness and multi-island response through clearly defined authority and coordinated air medical operations; and
(5) Promote health equity by improving timely access to emergency medical care for rural and neighbor island communities.
SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XVIII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§321- Statewide air medical services program; staffing and authority. (a) There is established within the department's emergency medical services and injury prevention system branch, a statewide air medical services program to provide governance, coordination, oversight, quality improvement, and disaster readiness for the State's emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services.
(b) The department shall establish and maintain permanent positions to administer the program, including:
(1) A state air medical director, who shall be a physician licensed in the State and having experience in emergency medicine, trauma care, or critical care transport, who shall provide statewide clinical and medical oversight of air medical services;
(2) A state air medical program manager, who shall be responsible for program administration; policy development; system planning; interagency coordination; and integration of air medical services with emergency medical services, trauma systems, and healthcare facilities; and
(3) An air medical coordinator, who shall support operational coordination, data oversight, compliance monitoring, performance improvement activities, and coordination with licensed air medical providers, county emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, and emergency management partners.
(c) The positions established pursuant to subsection (b) shall be permanent and recurring and shall not be contingent upon temporary programs, pilot projects, or time-limited funding.
(d) The statewide air medical services program, under the direction of the director of health, may:
(1) Provide statewide clinical governance and medical direction for emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical services;
(2) Develop, adopt, and implement statewide air medical policies, procedures, and clinical protocols consistent with nationally recognized standards;
(3) Coordinate emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical transport services across counties to improve timeliness, health equity, and access to care;
(4) Oversee the participation of licensed air medical providers in data-based quality improvement programs;
(5) Support statewide disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities involving air medical transport, including multi-island and mass-casualty incidents; and
(6) Coordinate with county emergency medical services agencies, hospitals, trauma centers, stroke centers, acute care facilities, emergency management agencies, and other public and private partners.
(e) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to implement this section.
(f) As a condition of licensure, all air medical providers operating within the State shall cooperate with and participate in statewide air medical coordination, data reporting, and quality improvement activities as required by the department.
(g) The statewide air medical services program shall coordinate with the state emergency medical services advisory committee and may establish advisory or quality improvement committees as necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
(h) The department shall establish and assess annual air medical ambulance licensure and accreditation fees for all air medical providers operating within the State.
The fees shall be reasonable, non-refundable, and sufficient to fully cover the costs associated with:
(1) Administration and oversight of the statewide air medical services program;
(2) Licensure, accreditation verification, compliance monitoring, and enforcement activities;
(3) Statewide air medical coordination and quality improvement initiatives;
(4) Data collection, analysis, and reporting requirements; and
(5) Coordination and integration with state and county emergency management, emergency medical services, and disaster preparedness partners.
The fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited into the emergency medical services special fund established pursuant to section 321-234 and shall be used solely for the purposes of administering and supporting the statewide air medical services program and staff, and its emergency management coordination functions."
SECTION 3. Section 321-234, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The moneys in the special fund shall be distributed as follows:
(1) Beginning with fiscal year 2021-2022,
$3,500,000 shall be distributed each fiscal year to a county operating a county
emergency medical services system pursuant to part XI of chapter 46 for the
operation of that system; [and]
(2) Fees remitted pursuant to section 321- shall be used solely for the purposes of administering and supporting the statewide air medical services program and staff, and its emergency management coordination functions; and
[(2)] (3) The remainder shall be distributed to
the department for operating the system established pursuant to this chapter,
including enhanced and expanded services, and shall not be used to supplant
funding for emergency medical services authorized prior to July 1, 2004."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DOH; State Emergency Medical Services System; Statewide Air Medical Services Program; Emergency Medical Services Special Fund
Description:
Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services. Provides for an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator. Provides for annual licensure and accreditation fees to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the program.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 4, 2026 | Act 084, on 06/04/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1184). |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Act 084, 06/04/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1184). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 889). |
| May 8, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 820). |
| May 8, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) San Buenaventura). |
| May 8, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 05-08-26. |
| May 6, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 239-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 6, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-08-26. |
| May 6, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 239-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Kanuha; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 3:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-30-26 4:10PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-29-26 3:15PM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 839). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy Co-Chairs; Alcos. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 742). |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: McKelvey Chair; Kanuha Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 759). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2093-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 04-07-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from HLT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1503-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Amato, Hartsfield, Marten, Olds, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HLT on Wednesday, 03-25-26 9:30AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to HLT, FIN, referral sheet 16 |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 121). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Ihara). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-06-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2730) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:57AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2344) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 9, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS has rescheduled its public hearing to 02-13-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 8, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS deleted the measure from the public hearing scheduled on 02-09-26 1:05PM; CR 225 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-09-26 1:05PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
|
Description
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Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 8, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Health |
Passed |
|
| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Aloha Independent Living Hawaii (AILH) | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| AlohaCare | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
| AlohaCare | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| AMR | *** Support | Feb 13, 2026 |
| Department of Health | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaii Medical Association | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
| State Health Planning and Development Agency | ** Support | |
| The Queen's Health Systems | *** Support | Apr 7, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2730
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 3203
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 3203 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve the State's air medical services.
More specifically, this measure:
(1) Establishes permanent, dedicated air medical staffing within the Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch of the Department of Health;
(2) Strengthens statewide governance, coordination, and oversight of emergency aeromedical and interfacility air medical services;
(3) Supports data-driven quality improvement, accountability, and performance monitoring;
(4) Enhances disaster preparedness and multi-island response capabilities through clearly defined authority and coordinated air medical operations; and
(5) Promotes health equity by supporting timely access to emergency medical care for rural and neighbor island communities.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, AlohaCare, Hawaii Medical Association, and one individual.
Your Committee finds that air medical services are an essential component of Hawaii's emergency medical care systems, healthcare infrastructure, and all-hazards disaster preparedness. Your Committee notes that Hawaii's geographic isolation, multi‑island structure, rural communities, and limited access to specialty and tertiary care make timely air medical transport critical to providing equitable access to lifesaving care, especially on neighbor islands. Accordingly, your Committee finds that this measure will help the State implement nationally recognized best practices, which emphasize centralized governance; clinically driven coordination; continuous quality improvement, and integration with trauma, stroke, cardiac, and acute care centers, and with emergency medical services, and disaster response agencies.
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 S.B. No. 3203 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2344
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 3203
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 3203 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Establish the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services;
(2) Provide for an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator; and
(3) Provide for annual licensure and accreditation fees to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the Program.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, State Health Planning and Development Agency, AlohaCare, Hawaii Medical Association, and four individuals.
Your Committee finds that air medical transport is not a supplemental service in the State; it is a foundational element of emergency response, trauma care, stroke care, cardiac care, and disaster preparedness. These services are relied upon daily to bridge geographic barriers and ensure continuity of care across islands. Your Committee further finds that while demand for emergency and interfacility air medical transport has continued to increase, the State currently lacks permanent, dedicated resources within the Department of Health to comprehensively monitor, manage, coordinate, and develop this critical component of the emergency medical services system. By establishing statutory authority, dedicated staffing, and sustainable funding mechanisms, this measure enables the Department of Health to begin systematically improving coordination, efficiency, equity, and outcomes for air medical resources across all islands.
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 S.B. No. 3203 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,
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 7, 2026 | SB3203_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-07-26_.PDF |
| Mar 25, 2026 | SB3203_TESTIMONY_HLT-HSH_03-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | SB3203_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 13, 2026 | SB3203_TESTIMONY_HHS_02-13-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
20SEC
Senate Floor
2MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
50SEC
House Standing Committee on Health
50SEC
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
31SEC
House Standing Committee on Health
31SEC
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):