Senator Michelle Kidani will host an open forum Town Hall Meeting for District 18 residents to learn more about the Emergency Medical Services Command Center and ambulance facility to be built in Waipio.
State funds totaling $3.85 million were appropriated to the City & County of Honolulu for the project in the 2013 Legislative session. Governor Abercrombie released the money to the city last summer, and the city has proceeded with detailed planning for the new Center. As planned, it will be located adjacent to McDonald’s Kamehameha Highway and Ka Uka Boulevard.
“The need for this emergency medical services base is critical,” Senator Kidani said. “The existing EMS ambulance station in Waipio was required to re-locate several months ago, and even with Queen’s opening its West Oahu medical center in a few weeks in Ewa, first responders are too far from our neighbors in Waipio to provide the quick response they deserve.”
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has been invited to participate in the town meeting to update the city’s plan. Also, since the State Department of Health oversees EMS operations under contracts with the counties, newly-appointed State Health Director Linda Rosen will be on hand.
The program will also include a presentation by Kanani Iaea, Hawaii account executive for the new ride-sharing commuter company vRide. The company is the nation’s largest carpool services provider, currently operating fleets with more than 6,000 vehicles throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Also, Brennon Morioka, Deputy Executive Director for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) will report on the current status of the Oahu rail project.
The Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, at Kanoelani Elementary School in Waipio beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Senator Kidani represents District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipio Gentry, Village Park, Waikele and Royal Kunia. Contact the Senator at the State Capitol, Room 228, 586-7100, email: SenKidani@Capitol.Hawaii.gov .