Let me be clear—without Roz Baker, there would be no Maui MedEvac Helicopter. With all respect for his work, former Mayor Alan Arakawa left out key players and missed crucial facts. A MedEvac helicopter has been on Sen. Baker’s list of priorities since the days she represented West Maui, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i.
If you remember, the MedEvac Bill was vetoed by the Governor’s Office because the state didn’t want to have to provide MedEvac to the other islands. The legislature, led by Sen. Baker and our Maui contingent, overturned that veto and pushed through this critical, lifesaving project at a time when no other projects were being funded. It was, and is, a model for a private/public partnership to benefit all the people of our county.
The MedEvac has been utilized on over 250 lifesaving missions. Many lives have been saved because of this vital service. As Maui Memorial expands their stroke and cardiovascular centers, this MedEvac program will help many patients receive critical interventions that will save their lives and reduce significant disability.
As the leader of this team, Roz Baker fought long and hard for the people of Maui. She deserves a giant mahalo—and your vote—to help us keep the MedEvac service for our community.
Scotty Schaefer
Maui County EMS Advisory Chairman