HI SB2618

Appropriates funds from the emergency medical services special fund to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2020-2021 to purchase one advanced life support ambulance based in Makalei in Hawaii County, along with related equipment and personnel costs.

Establishes that the Makalei area population has grown significantly, increasing emergency medical services calls, with paramedics responding to as many as ten calls during twenty-four hour shifts.

Identifies that residents of Makalei face limited access to primary health care, with services located as far as thirty miles away, resulting in emergency medical services becoming the primary health care access point for many community members.

Designates the appropriated funds to be expended by the Department of Health for purchasing the ambulance and paying state-certified emergency medical services personnel.

Effective date is July 1, 2050.