Report Title:

Emergency Ambulance Services; Kula and Kihei (Maui); Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to provide emergency ambulance services for Kula and Kihei, Maui.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

501

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR MAUI.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the protection and preservation of the health of the people of this State is a matter of compelling state interest. Emergency ambulance services, available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, can help reduce medical emergency deaths, injuries, and permanent long-term disability, and are a key component of the state comprehensive emergency medical services system.

The legislature further finds that the Kula and Kihei regions of Maui are fast growing communities and tourist centers. However, in Kula, ambulance services are available only during regularly scheduled hours. In Kihei, emergency ambulance service is inadequate to meet the needs of residents and visitors. Therefore, in emergency situations occurring after regular ambulance service hours, ambulance response time increases by an additional fifteen to thirty minutes, or more, depending upon the location of the ambulance.

The legislature further finds that in many emergency medical situations, such a prolonged response time can mean the difference between life and death for individuals visiting or living in these communities.

The purpose of this Act is to provide parity in emergency medical services, by providing sufficient twenty-four hour, advanced life support ambulance services for Kula and Kihei, Maui.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004, for emergency ambulance services for Kula and Kihei, Maui.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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