Funds Released For New EMS At Waipio

The state has released $3.85 million for a new ambulance facility in Waipio that will serve Central and Leeward Oahu.

The general-obligation funds will cover the plans, design, construction and equipment for the facility.

In operation since 2008, the Central Oahu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility on Ukee Street in Waipio has responded to an average of 14 emergency calls per day.

“Adding this new ambulance station to critical care capacity in Waipio will greatly decrease emergency response time in Mililani, Waipio and all of Central Oahu,” said state Sen. Michelle Kidani.

The Central Oahu EMS facility also will serve as its emergency operations center.

“This facility ensures that EMS will continue to serve and play a vital role in the Central Oahu community to provide quality pre-hospital care on a daily basis,” said Mark K. Rigg, director of the city Emergency Services Department.

The multipurpose, multifunction building will have both a communication center and the office space to provide a full backup for it.

A photovoltaic system, solar water heating and full backup generator power also will be installed.