HI SR177

Requests the Governor and Department of Health to engage with the U.S. Department of Defense and military partners to explore establishing a military-civilian trauma partnership to strengthen Hawaii's trauma system.

Addresses trauma system capacity challenges including geographic isolation, limited specialty resources, and transfer times exceeding five hours for critically injured patients from neighbor islands to reach definitive care.

Calls for evaluation of opportunities for Tripler Army Medical Center (a level II trauma center) to participate as a receiving trauma center for civilian patients and to explore funding mechanisms including Medicaid reimbursement similar to programs in Texas.

Requests development of statewide military-civilian tele-trauma consultation capabilities to support rural and community hospitals with trauma assessment and triage decision-making.

Requires the Department of Health to submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2027 Regular Session.