Senator J. Kalani English
Sixth Senatorial District
State Capitol, Room 205
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 587-7225

PRESS RELEASE
April 28, 2003

AIR AMBULANCE FUNDS LANDS IN MAUI COUNTY

RESIDENTS SOON TO ENJOY INCREASED MEDICAL SECURITY

In a remarkable example of partnership between State and Maui County officials, funding for emergency air ambulance services in the vulnerable rural county of Maui have been secured in Senate Bill 745, SD2 HD2 CD1. Currently supported by $611,500 in funds from Maui County for the establishment of the aero-medical program during the 2003 and 2004 fiscal year, the State and County have agreed to both contribute matching funds in the amount of $611,500 for the 2004-2005 fiscal year and thereafter. The State will also contribute an additional $388,500 for increased ground ambulance services beginning in 2004.

On April 25, 2003 little more than three hours after a State announcement that funding was approved by all House and Senate conference committee members, Maui County officials made the difficult decision to allocate the remaining funding required to cover start-up costs of the program in 2003-2004. The bill will be enrolled to the Governor for signature pending a successful final floor vote from both Houses of the Legislature on Tuesday, April 29, 2003.

The importance of air ambulance services to the growing Maui County population is difficult to understate, and has come into fruition through the cooperative efforts and dedication of numerous state and county officials. "As one of the primary introducers of this bill, I know that Maui County residents deserve adequate access to emergency medical services. It was one of my top priorities this session, and I am pleased that I can be of help to all of those who will experience a medical emergency in Maui County and the State," remarked Senator English, (6th Senatorial District: East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kaho'olawe).

During a year of budget cuts and crises, many state departments and programs have had funding reduced on a priority basis. By sharing the responsibilities between the State and Maui County, officials have found a way to not only preserve existing medical services, but actually expand them. "The unprecedented cooperation of so many different interested parties is incredible and encouraging," remarked Mele Carroll, Chief Legislative Liaison for the Mayor. "On the State level, the support we received from Maui Legislators in both the Senate and the House was overwhelming. Donna Maiava, Director of the Emergency Medical System for the Department of Health, was also invaluable as one of the many people who played a critical role in the success of this venture: Speedy Bailey of the American Medical Response, Andy Klueger of Hawai'i Air Ambulance, and Jan Yagi Buen, Legislative Assistant to the Mayor, were indispensable in establishing the details of this exciting program. It is a true success and an incredible example of participation on all levels," concluded Ms. Carroll.

Citizens that inhabit the remote areas of Maui County are at an increased risk from inadequate response time to critical medical conditions. The cooperative effort between Maui County and the State of Hawai'i has resulted in increased medical security for residents of Maui County and the State of Hawai'i at large.

"This is an absolute victory for all Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i residents, and I am pleased to be a part of the effort that has secured this essential service for rural island residents. In the medical world, the "golden hour" is a familiar term referring to that crucial hour of response time that can mean the difference between life and death. The service of an air ambulance to Maui County will positively and dramatically affect the outcome of a patient's condition within this golden hour, and will serve to protect our precious communities," remarked Senator English.

As an important supplement to emergency ground services, the aero-medical response program will move Hawai'i into the future, providing and preparing for the medical needs of our people. "I am grateful for all of the hard work on this measure from my colleagues in the Senate, Senator Rosalyn Baker and Senator Shan Tsutsui, and would like to commend them on our valuable partnership benefiting all residents of Maui County," concluded Senator English.

A complete version of the bill can be viewed at the following link: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb745_cd1_.htm

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