Funds Approved For Waipio EMS Facility

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

The general obligation funds will pay for 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 responds 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 the Emergency Operations Center of the EMS.

“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 multi-purpose, multi-function facility includes a communication center, and the office space will have a full back-up EMS communications center.

A photovoltaic system, solar water heating, and full back-up generator power will be installed.