STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2344

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3203

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 S.B. No. 3203 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services;

(2) Provide for an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator; and

(3) Provide for annual licensure and accreditation fees to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health, State Health Planning and Development Agency, AlohaCare, Hawaii Medical Association, and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that air medical transport is not a supplemental service in the State; it is a foundational element of emergency response, trauma care, stroke care, cardiac care, and disaster preparedness. These services are relied upon daily to bridge geographic barriers and ensure continuity of care across islands. Your Committee further finds that while demand for emergency and interfacility air medical transport has continued to increase, the State currently lacks permanent, dedicated resources within the Department of Health to comprehensively monitor, manage, coordinate, and develop this critical component of the emergency medical services system. By establishing statutory authority, dedicated staffing, and sustainable funding mechanisms, this measure enables the Department of Health to begin systematically improving coordination, efficiency, equity, and outcomes for air medical resources across all islands.

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 S.B. No. 3203 and recommends that it pass Second Reading 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,

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JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair