Hawaii House Bill HCR157

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/28/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/28/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/9/24
• Report Pass: 5/1/24
• Passed: 5/3/24

Caption

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.