Bill > HB784

This bill addresses emergency medical services on the island of Hawaii by appropriating funds to operate an additional advanced life support ambulance based in the Makalei area of North Kona. The legislature recognizes significant healthcare access challenges 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. The bill aims to improve emergency response times and reduce potential death and disability by providing funding for the ambulance's operating costs and personnel expenses, specifically for state-certified emergency medical service personnel. The legislation appropriates an unspecified amount of money from Hawaii's general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with funds to be managed by the Department of Health and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. The bill acknowledges the region's growing and aging population and argues that the additional ambulance will be cost-effective in providing critical emergency medical services. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, which seems to be a placeholder date typical in draft legislation.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=784&year=2026