South Maui is the fastest-growing region in the state, according to U.S. Census figures. The population of 16,749 grew 50 percent in the last decade. That number does not include a large chunk of the 40,000 or so visitors on Maui on any given day who stay in hotels or condominiums in Kihei and Wailea. Maiava said the Health Department likely will request financing for the Wailea ambulance station during next year's legislative session. It would take two to three years before the facility is in operation, she said.
Preliminary plans call for building a station with two bays and living quarters for paramedics.
The state also will explore the possibility of housing a backup unit at the station, she said. A provision in the state contract with American Medical Response allows for renegotiation in the event of expanded services, Maiava said. Along with the Kihei unit, there are ambulances in six other Maui locations and one each on Moloka'i and Lana'i. Apana said he is lobbying for additional ambulance coverage for the sprawling Upcountry region. There is one ambulance stationed in Makawao and one in Kula that operates only 10 hours a day.