Bill > HB1107

This bill addresses the lack of emergency aeromedical services in rural Hawaii by appropriating funds to expand access across different counties. The legislature recognizes that rural communities have fewer healthcare resources and are currently served by only one statewide aeromedical provider, which creates significant medical service gaps. Drawing inspiration from Maui's successful medevac service model, where the Department of Health cost-shares a helicopter with the county and contracts with a private entity to staff and operate it, the bill proposes allocating general state revenues to support emergency aeromedical services in Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to deposit funds into the emergency medical services special fund, which will be used by the Department of Health to establish and operate emergency aeromedical services, including potentially purchasing helicopters. The goal is to improve medical emergency response capabilities, particularly for critical conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and traumatic injuries in underserved rural areas. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with specific funding amounts to be determined during the legislative process.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1107&year=2026