I was surprised at The Maui News (9/18/23) article regarding Falck Northwest Corp. as the Emergency Medical Services ambulance provider replacing American Medical Response starting Dec. 28, 2023.

The state request for proposal (RFP No. HTH-730-2-23) references an Evaluation Committee that assigns points to four categories submitted in detailed proposals from both companies.

Assumption is Falck received a higher score, which is difficult to comprehend, considering the irreplaceable experience of AMR in Maui County as well as operations, both EMS and ambulance transfers, on all islands.

The award is pending following a protest by AMR as allowed in the RFP.

Also noteworthy is the Maui medevac helicopter operation is deleted from this RFP. Previous competitive bids and current contract includes a medevac helicopter that responds 24/7 to remote areas on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Its paramedic crew starts treatment and transports critical trauma and medical cases directly to the helipad at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Patients can also be transported directly to Oahu hospitals as directed by ER physicians.

Maui County mayors and councils have approved funding of $672,215 annually since the onset of Maui medevac in 2004. State contributes the balance. This allotment is supported in the county Department of Transportation budget entitled “Air Ambulance.”

This critical, lifesaving, countywide service ends in three months. Has this impact been realized? Pono? As governor and an ER physician, Gov. Josh Green needs to know.

Curt Morimoto

Wailuku