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Bill Summary · SCR 86

Summary — SCR 86: Requesting the Department of Health to Convene an Aeromedical Services Working Group

Status: Concurrent resolution — adopted in final form (Res. Chapter 138, 2025). Sponsor: Sen. San Buenaventura. Companion: SR 69.

Purpose and intent

SCR 86 requests (non‑binding) that the Department of Health (DOH) convene an Aeromedical Services Working Group to evaluate Hawaii’s emergency air medical (air ambulance) system, identify gaps and barriers, and develop recommendations (including proposed legislation and funding strategies) to improve the predictability, stability, and resiliency of aeromedical services—especially for rural islands and communities with limited access to advanced trauma care and specialists.

Key provisions

  • Directs DOH to convene a multi‑stakeholder working group composed of specified public officials and invited private/industry representatives (see membership below).
  • Asks the group to, at a minimum:
    • Study and assess emergency aeromedical service needs statewide and by county.
    • Develop and recommend future plans, procedures, protocols, and funding mechanisms to increase predictability and stability of air ambulance services.
  • Requires a report of findings and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) to be submitted to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Requests the working group to dissolve on June 30, 2026.
  • Directs certified copies of the resolution to DOH and multiple emergency management and health leadership offices/agencies.

Membership (high level)

Includes the Director of Health (or designee); legislative health committee chairs or designees; directors/administrators of state and county emergency management/civil defense agencies; invited representatives selected by DOH from:
- Healthcare Association of Hawaii
- Hawaii Association of Health Plans
- A health system operating in the State
- Independent providers (at least one from Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii counties)
- Two aeromedical service providers with recent operations in the State (rotor and fixed‑wing capability)

Who is affected / potential impact

  • Rural island communities and patients requiring time‑sensitive transport (e.g., stroke, trauma, myocardial infarction).
  • Hospitals, health systems, emergency management agencies, and aeromedical providers.
  • State budget and policy planning only if the working group’s recommendations prompt legislative or funding actions.

Legal effect and timeline

  • This is a concurrent resolution requesting action (does not create binding law or appropriate funds).
  • Report due: 20 days before 2026 Regular Session.
  • Working group dissolves: June 30, 2026.

Legislative history (highlights)

  • Referred to health and finance committees; amended (SD1/HD1) during the 2025 session.
  • Passed both chambers (Senate vote recorded 20 YES, 1 ABSENT). Enrolled and filed with Secretary of State; chaptered as a 2025 resolution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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