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State‑funded Kaulele a Ola air transport helps rural kupuna access off‑island care
Summary
Member Deldrine Manera told the Council Kaulele a Ola provides Essential Rural Medical Air Transport with up to 12 roundtrip flights by doctor referral and serves Medicare and Medicaid patients to reduce barriers to off‑island medical care.
Member Deldrine Manera reported that Molokaʻi residents face significant travel barriers to receive medical care and described the state‑funded Kaulele a Ola Essential Rural Medical Air Transport program operated by the nonprofit Pulama Ka Heke. Manera said the program requires a doctor referral, provides up to 12 roundtrip flights to Honolulu, and serves Medicare and Medicaid patients to help kupuna who otherwise might forgo off‑island care.
Manera also highlighted the statewide "Our Kupuna" volunteer program — which provides phone buddies, pen pals, and storytelling projects — and suggested expanding similar volunteer supports for Maui County kupuna. No formal Council action was taken on the report.
