HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-21 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 2658 Relating to Ambulances for Kauai and Hawaii CountyHarry Kim
.%/ayor
Wil Okabe
A lanagmg Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
February 21 2018
Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agara Vice -Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capito oom 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Com thee Members:
Re: SB 2658 Relating to Ambulances for Kauai and Hawaii County
Hearing Dat 2/23/18 — 11:00 am; Conference Room 211
•
Thank you for this opportunity to support funding for two new, much needed,
ambulances, one each for Hawai i and Kauai.
Although 1 recognize that these units are not inexpensive, the justification for additional
funding is strong. For example:
1. The population of Hawaii County has been rapidly increasing, but no
additional ambulances have been authorized since 2005.
2. The OF's EMS Provider group has identified Kauai and Hawaii County as
the areas of highest need.
3. The mandated DOH response time (20 minutes) for the District of Puna has
been determined to be unmet between 16% - 39% of the time, and I
understand that Kauai statistics are similar. Adding an additional ambulance
unit ane personnel resources for each County obviously would improve those
response times.
Please help us provide these life-saving resources for our communities, by passing SB
2658 with appropriate dollar amounts inserted.
Re pectf ly submitted,
Harry Kim
ayor County of Hawaii
County of 1 lawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.