Bill > SB569

This bill seeks to address emergency medical service challenges on the island of Hawaii, specifically in the North Kona area, by appropriating $1,750,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to operate an additional advanced life support ambulance based in the Makalei area. The legislature recognizes significant healthcare access barriers in the region, where primary care services can be up to thirty miles away, and emergency medical services often serve as the primary healthcare entry point for many residents. The bill highlights the area's growing and aging population, emphasizing that an additional ambulance will help reduce death and disability by enabling faster response times to 911 calls. The funds will cover operational and personnel costs, including state-certified emergency medical service personnel, and will be administered by the department of health. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving emergency medical services and healthcare accessibility for residents and visitors in the North Kona region of Hawaii.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=569&year=2025