Relating To The State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.
Summary
HB1106 amends Hawaii Revised Statutes section 321-225, which governs the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee. The bill does not change the committee’s membership categories, appointment structure, compensation rules, or duties. Instead, it revises the quorum requirement for the committee’s business meetings.
Under current law, a majority of the advisory committee members constitutes a quorum. HB1106 lowers that threshold by providing that seven appointed members whose terms have not expired will constitute a quorum, so long as they have been appointed by the governor. Once a quorum is present, a majority of the members present may take official action. The bill takes effect upon approval.
Impact
The bill would directly amend section 321-225 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, changing the legal standard for when the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee may conduct business. By reducing the quorum requirement from a majority of the full committee to seven appointed, unexpired members, the measure would make it easier for the committee to meet and act, potentially reducing delays caused by vacancies, absences, or expired terms. It affects the Department of Health’s emergency medical services advisory process and the appointed physician, health care consumer, allied health, and EMS provider members who serve on the committee.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral and administrative rather than controversial. The measure is framed as a procedural fix to improve committee functionality, suggesting a practical intent to keep the advisory body operating even when not all seats are filled or members are unavailable. No formal opposition or support is reflected in the provided record.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the reduced quorum threshold. Supporters would likely view the change as a way to prevent the committee from being unable to act because of vacancies or attendance issues, while critics could argue that lowering quorum may allow a smaller subset of members to make decisions for the full advisory body. Because the committee includes medical professionals, EMS personnel, and consumer representatives, any concern would likely center on whether seven members is sufficient to ensure balanced representation when official actions are taken.
Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Convening A Working Group To Make Recommendations.
Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Including Complying With The Sunshine Law, Conduct A Performance Review Of Its Executive Director, And Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Performance And Financial Audit Of The aha Moku Advisory Committee.
Relating to certain advisory entities and work groups under the jurisdiction of the comptroller of public accounts or on which the comptroller's office is represented and to the repeal or redesignation of certain of those entities.