Story perspectives

New $2M Air Transport Program Boosts Rural Healthcare Access

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Essential Rural Medical Air Transport (ERMAT) program will provide charter flights from Moloka‘i and Lana‘i to Honolulu for off-island medical appointments, funded with $2 million and starting later this month.
Transportation challenges and limited flight availability cause missed medical appointments.
The program aims to serve 1,500 Moloka‘i and 1,000 Lana‘i residents in 2026.
Hawaii will receive nearly $189 million in federal funds to expand rural clinics and recruit medical professionals.

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Story summary

Essential Rural Medical Air Transport (ERMAT) program will provide charter flights from Moloka‘i and Lana‘i to Honolulu for off-island medical appointments, funded with $2 million and starting later this month.
Transportation challenges and limited flight availability cause missed medical appointments.
The program aims to serve 1,500 Moloka‘i and 1,000 Lana‘i residents in 2026.
Hawaii will receive nearly $189 million in federal funds to expand rural clinics and recruit medical professionals.