Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene An Aeromedical Services Working Group.
Summary
SR69 is a Senate resolution requesting that the Hawaii Department of Health convene an Aeromedical Services Working Group. The resolution is driven by concerns that rural communities have less access than Oahu to advanced trauma care, specialists, and subspecialists, and that patients in those areas face higher risks from serious emergencies such as heart attack, stroke, and traumatic injury. It also notes that Hawaii’s current air medical system is strained and relies on a single statewide provider, leaving limited backup if service is interrupted by maintenance or staffing issues.
The working group would be tasked with examining aeromedical service needs statewide and by county, and with developing recommendations for future plans, procedures, protocols, and funding to improve the reliability and stability of air ambulance services. The group would include state and county emergency management officials, legislative members, health care industry representatives, health plans, health systems, independent providers, and aeromedical service providers. It would be required to report findings and any proposed legislation to the Legislature before the 2026 session and dissolve by June 30, 2026.
Impact
Because SR69 is a resolution rather than a statute, it does not directly change Hawaii law or create a new regulatory program. Its practical effect is to direct the Department of Health to organize a multi-agency, multi-stakeholder study of aeromedical services and to produce recommendations that could inform future legislation, funding decisions, or administrative changes. The resolution specifically targets emergency medical transport, air ambulance capacity, and rural health access across the counties.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the measure. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed the resolution with amendments by a 4-0 vote, indicating unanimous support among those voting and a generally favorable view of the proposal. The bill text itself frames the issue as an urgent public health and emergency response concern, reinforcing a positive and solution-oriented tone.
Contention
The main policy concern underlying the resolution is the fragility of Hawaii’s aeromedical system, especially its dependence on a single provider and the lack of cost-effective alternatives if service is grounded. Another point of concern is how to expand and stabilize service given barriers such as insufficient funding and the absence of clear plans, procedures, and protocols. While no explicit opposition appears in the provided materials, the inclusion of multiple agencies and private-sector stakeholders suggests that coordination, funding responsibility, and service coverage across counties are likely to be the key issues the working group must address.
An act to amend Sections 24801, 24826, 24827, 24830, 24862, and 24908 of, to repeal Section 24861 of, and to repeal and add Section 24863 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to transportation.