STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2869

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2934

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 Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2934, 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 address the increased demand for emergency medical services in the County of Maui.

Specifically, this measure makes an appropriation to purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in the Central Maui area, and to fund pay-related personnel costs for one state-certified emergency medical technician and one state-certified paramedic.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, State Health Planning and Development Agency, County of Maui, American Medical Response, and seven individuals.

Your Committee finds that Central Maui has experienced significant population growth, which has increased demand for emergency medical services in the region. Specifically, the Kahului and Wailuku service areas, as well as the broader Central Maui region, have experienced the highest concentration of emergency medical services demand in the County of Maui and consistently experience significant resource strain. This measure appropriates moneys for an additional ambulance, as well as associated equipment and staffing costs, to help meet this increased demand.

Your Committee notes that the Department of Health, in its written testimony, requested $1,750,000 in recurring funding to support the ambulance unit, staffing, station operations, and related needs.

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 S.B. No. 2934, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair