Pūlama Ka Heke Launching ERMAT Program to Improve Medical Access

Pūlama Ka Heke News Release

Pūlama Ka Heke is proud to announce the launch of the Essential Rural Medical Air Transport (ERMAT) program which will be called Kaulele a Ola (meaning to take flight to heal and regain health), a groundbreaking initiative designed to expand equitable access to specialty healthcare for residents of Molokai and Lānai. 

ERMAT will provide coordinated, reliable medical air transportation to Oahu and Maui, addressing long-standing barriers that have limited timely access to specialty care for rural communities.

Funded by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, ERMAT will offer 12 round trip flights between Molokai and Oahu and four round trip flights between Molokai and Maui per month for Molokai residents. All travel will be coordinated through primary care providers, ensuring referrals, appointments, and follow-up care are streamlined and patient centered. 

The ERMAT Coordinator for Molokai is Tiare Holm, who brings years of experience in healthcare navigation and the medical insurance industry. Tiare will work closely with primary care providers and clinics on Molokai. Pūlama Ka Heke will partner with Lānai Kinā’ole to deliver Kaulele a Ola on the island of Lānai.

Addressing Critical Healthcare Gaps

Rural and isolated islands face significant challenges, including limited specialty providers, transportation barriers, and lengthy wait times for essential evaluations and treatments. For Molokai residents, only one commercial air carrier currently serves the island, creating vulnerabilities for medically fragile individuals and those requiring consistent specialty follow-up.

Expanding Access Beyond Medical Travel

ERMAT is also designed to attract specialty physicians to Molokai and Lānai by supporting on-island clinics. 

Commitment to Community Health

Pūlama Ka Heke remains steadfast in its mission to uplift rural communities through accessible, culturally grounded, and equitable health services. Kaulele a Ola represents a transformational opportunity for Molokai and Lānai residents and reflects the broader goal of improving health outcomes statewide.

To learn more about Pūlama Ka Heke, visit www.pulamakh.org.