Hawaii Senate Bill SR151

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct A Feasibility Study For The Implementation Of An Ambulance Service For The Town Of Makalei In The County Of Hawaii.

Impact

The recommended feasibility study is considered crucial for understanding the necessary investments in equipment and personnel for an advanced life support ambulance dedicated to Makalei. With paramedics reportedly responding to multiple emergency calls within a single shift, establishing reliable ambulance services is positioned as an essential service for reducing emergency response times and, ultimately, saving lives amid the area's isolation and limited healthcare options.

Summary

Senate Resolution 151 (SR151) requests the Department of Health and the County of Hawaii to carry out a feasibility study for establishing an ambulance service specifically in the town of Makalei. Recognizing the population growth in the north Kona region, the resolution highlights the increasing need for emergency medical services as residents face significant delays in accessing primary care, often requiring a drive of thirty miles to the nearest medical facility. There is a pressing need for efficient emergency response systems to improve healthcare access for the rapidly growing community.

Contention

While the resolution seeks to address the urgent need for emergency services, previous legislative efforts, such as Senate Bill No. 877, have stalled largely due to a lack of specific information on costs. The request outlined in SR151 aims to provide necessary insights that would enable stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the financial feasibility of implementing the service and to identify the most effective means of delivering emergency medical services in Makalei.