HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-13 Letter to Chair Mizuno re SB 2658, SD 1 Relating to Ambulances for Kauai and Hawaii CountyHarry Kim
Alayor
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Wil Okabe
Afanaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Alanaging Director
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March 13, 2018
Representative John M. Mizuno, Chair
Committee on Health and Human Services
Hawail State Capitol, Room 329
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Mizuno and Committee Members:
Re: SB 2658, SD 1 Relating to Ambulances for Kauai and Hawaig County
Hearing Date: 03-15-18 — 10:00 am; House Conference Room 329
Thank you for this opportunity to support funding for two new, much needed,
ambulances, one each for Hawaii and Kauai.
Although 1 recognize that these units are not inexpensive, the justification for additional
funding is strong. For exa ple:
1. The population of Hawaii County has been rapidly increasing, but no additional
ambulances have been authorized since 2005.
2. The DOH's EMS Provider group has identified Kauai and Ha ail 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 1 understand that Kauai
statistics are similar. Adding an additional ambulance unit and 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, SD 1, with appropriate dollar amounts inserted.
Respectfully submitted,
6/V14
ry Kim
ayor, County of Hawaii
County of Hawaii' i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Empl