HI HB2434

Appropriates funds to establish and staff an advanced life support medic unit in Puna on the island of Hawaii, where the population has grown 44% since 2000 and is expected to reach approximately 75,000 over the next 15 years.

Appropriates funds for the operation of emergency medical services for North Kona, which currently relies on medic units located 8-30 miles away with response times of 8-30 minutes, exceeding the National Fire Protection Association's 8-minute standard.

Addresses findings that Puna residents are up to 30 miles from the nearest primary care provider and that two medic units based in Keaau and Pahoa handle 91% of emergency medical services calls in Puna, causing paramedic burnout.

Notes that North Kona serves approximately 45,000 residents in one of the fastest-growing districts but lacks dedicated emergency medical services, creating life-threatening delays for time-critical cardiac and trauma cases.

Takes effect on July 1, 2070.