Urging The United States And The State To Recognize And Address The Air Transportation Crisis On Molokai And Lna`i.
Impact
The resolution addresses the critical issue of healthcare accessibility, emphasizing that residents must rely on air transportation for non-emergency but important medical treatments. The existing air transportation crisis has led to patients missing appointments for significant treatments, with some conditions worsening to the point of requiring emergency care. The unfolding situation has become not just a matter of inconvenience but constitutes a crisis for the residents' health outcomes.
Summary
HCR157 is a concurrent resolution urging both the United States federal government and the State of Hawaii to acknowledge and take action regarding the ongoing air transportation crisis affecting the islands of Molokai and Lāna`i. Residents of these islands have been facing significant difficulties due to the inconsistent and costly air travel options largely exacerbated by the cessation of services from several airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mokulele Airlines remains the sole carrier servicing these islands, leading to concerns about accessibility to essential medical care and services.
Contention
Notably, federal regulations are seen as a barrier to the State's ability to manage and improve air transportation services for the residents of Molokai and Lāna`i. The resolution calls for a wider recognition of these challenges, so skilled medical professionals can be attracted to the regions, and a push to improve the current transportation framework. The urgency for action is central to the discussion, highlighting the need for equitable access to healthcare resources that is currently lacking due to logistical and economic difficulties.
Urging The Federal Aviation Administration And State Department Of Transportation To Encourage And Facilitate The Expansion Of Alternative Airline Services That Utilize Short Takeoff And Landing-capable Aircrafts And Requesting The State Department Of Transportation To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility And Implementation Of A Rural Air Service Program.
Requesting That The Department Of Transportation Establish An Air Service Task Force To Provide Recommendations For Improving Commercial Air Travel To And From Molokai And Lanai.
Urging The Federal Aviation Administration And State Department Of Transportation To Encourage And Facilitate The Expansion Of Alternative Airline Services That Utilize Short Takeoff And Landing-capable Aircrafts And Requesting The State Department Of Transportation To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility And Implementation Of A Rural Air Service Program.
Urging The Department Of Transportation To Establish A Working Group To Evaluate Options That Provide Additional Air Service To Remote And Underserved Communities Across The State.
Requesting That The Department Of Transportation Establish An Air Service Task Force To Provide Recommendations For Improving Commercial Air Travel To And From Molokai And Lanai.
Urging The Department Of Transportation To Establish A Working Group To Evaluate Options That Provide Additional Air Service To Remote And Underserved Communities Across The State.
Urging The Department Of Health, Department Of Transportation, And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Take Any Action Possible To Reduce The Carbon Emissions Arising From Airplane Transportation To And From The State.
To Establish The Transportation Benefit Manager Act; To Regulate Contracts Of Certain Ambulance Providers; And To Regulate Claims And Prior Authorization Procedures For Certain Ambulance Services.
Establishes county veteran transportation grant program; removes certain restrictions to the current veterans transportation assistance program; appropriates $2 million.
Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.
Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.