Urging The United States And The State To Recognize And Address The Air Transportation Crisis On Molokai And Lna`i.
Impact
The resolution underscores the increasing difficulty residents of Molokai and Lāna`i experience in accessing healthcare, which is largely reliant on air transportation. The erratic nature of current air travel solutions has led to many patients missing vital medical appointments, escalating minor health issues into severe emergencies. This situation directly challenges the availability of healthcare resources and threatens the health outcomes of residents, particularly those needing routine treatments like chemotherapy. By failing to secure reliable air services, the resolution suggests a direct correlation between transportation inefficiencies and health deteriorations in these communities.
Summary
House Resolution 136 urges both the United States and the State of Hawaii to address the ongoing air transportation crisis affecting the islands of Molokai and Lāna`i. This resolution highlights the critical role that reliable air travel plays for residents, particularly in their access to essential medical services. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues by leading to the cessation of operations by key air service providers, leaving Mokulele Airlines as the sole commercial airline serving these islands. As a result, residents face increased costs and delays in securing necessary travel for medical care, contributing to a public health crisis.
Proposals
To address these concerns, the resolution advocates for strategic changes in air transportation services that would include federal support for increased operations or new providers. The goals outlined in this resolution encompass both immediate improvements to current flight reliability and long-term strategies to ensure sustainable air service for Molokai and Lāna`i. The resolution, if acted upon, could also contribute to broader issues of equity in access to healthcare and community resources, fostering a more inclusive approach to health service delivery in Hawaii.
Contention
Opponents of the current air service situation argue that it represents broader failings in federal regulations that limit state intervention in air transportation management. The resolution seeks not only to draw attention to this crisis but also advocates for federal engagement to improve the situation. It calls for improved regulations that could facilitate better air travel options and thereby enhance healthcare access. The resolution's supporters emphasize the urgency of action to prevent further declines in health and wellbeing for residents dependent on air travel for healthcare.
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 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.
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 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.