Bill > SB1426

This bill addresses the lack of emergency aeromedical services in rural Hawaii counties by appropriating funds to expand and improve medical helicopter services. The legislature recognizes that rural communities have fewer healthcare resources and are currently served by only one statewide aeromedical provider, which creates significant risks for patients with serious medical conditions. Drawing from Maui's successful medevac service model, the bill proposes to allocate general state revenues to four counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai) to increase access to emergency aeromedical services. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund, which will be used by the Department of Health to establish and operate emergency aeromedical services, including purchasing helicopters. The funding is set for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the goal of creating a more robust and reliable emergency medical transportation system that can better serve patients in remote areas. The bill is set to take effect on December 31, 2050, providing a long-term strategy for improving emergency medical services across the state.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1426&year=2026