STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3300

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2173

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 2173, H.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 appropriate funds to the Department of Health to:

(1) Purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in Central Maui;

(2) Fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel; and

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

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, one member of the Maui County Council, Hawaii Medical Association, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that reliable emergency medical access is a crucial health equity issue, especially for rural and geographically isolated areas where distance, workforce shortages, and transportation constraints can significantly affect outcomes. Your Committee further finds that Central Maui, now facing substantial population growth, lacks an advanced life support ambulance, leading to slower response times in medical emergencies and increasing risks of preventable death or long-term disability. This measure provides immediate relief to Central Maui by supporting the acquisition of an advanced life support ambulance and necessary personnel, while also strengthening and stabilizing air medical services across the State to ensure more reliable emergency response for all island communities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of January 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2173, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2173, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,

________________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair