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.
The proposed study will evaluate the need for a dedicated ambulance service in Makalei, including the costs associated with equipping and staffing an advanced life support ambulance. The study aims to provide essential data that will help state lawmakers and local authorities understand the logistical and financial implications of establishing such a service. It is expected that the findings will enable informed decision-making regarding the potential allocation of resources and funding to improve emergency response capabilities in the community.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 158 (SCR158) requests that the Department of Health and the County of Hawaii conduct a feasibility study for the implementation of an ambulance service in the town of Makalei, located in the county of Hawaii. This initiative is prompted by the rapid population growth in the north Kona region, which has led to an increased demand for emergency medical services. Presently, residents face significant challenges in accessing primary care, as the nearest facilities are over thirty miles away. The resolution seeks to address these pressing healthcare access issues for local residents and visitors.
Notably, prior legislative efforts, such as Senate Bill No. 877 in 2020, aimed to secure funding for a life support ambulance in Makalei but faced hurdles due to insufficient information regarding necessary equipment and staffing costs. Thus, the feasibility study outlined in SCR158 is crucial in overcoming these challenges by providing the critical information needed to advance legislative support for establishing a reliable ambulance service. This resolution underscores the ongoing concerns about emergency response times in rural and isolated areas, which can have severe consequences for public health and safety.