STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1761

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1245

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1245, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AMBULANCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the availability and reliability of emergency medical response services in the State.

More specifically, the measure appropriates funds to the Department of Health to:

(1) Purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment for the Central Maui area, and to fund pay-related personnel costs for one state-certified emergency medical technician and one state-certified paramedic; and

(2) Increase the predictability and stability of available air ambulance services for all islands in the State.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, the Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui, a Maui County Councilmember representing the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency area, the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, the American Medical Response, and two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Maui County Paramedic Association.

Your Committee finds that the funding provided by this measure will help to ensure that residents across the State have prompt access to emergency health care, including residents of the fast-growing Central Maui area.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1245, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair