HI HB1226

Appropriates $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019 from general revenues to the Department of Health for emergency medical services.

Funds will be used to purchase ambulance vehicles and cover operational costs for two new 24-hour, seven-days-a-week ambulance units, one each for Kauai and Hawaii counties.

Appropriation includes equipment, supplies, and personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel to operate the two ambulance units.

Addresses population increases in Kauai and Hawaii counties, noting that Kauai has not received additional ambulance resources since 1992 and Hawaii since 2005.

Takes effect on July 1, 2017.