A study showing 30 to 40 percent of requests for private, nonemergency ambulance service are turned down in West Oahu has prompted a City Council member and the Emergency Services Department to support having a second private provider.

Councilwoman Kimberly Pine said the lack of private ambulance services was "deeply concerning" and "unacceptable."

Pine said a second private ambulance company would improve nonemergency services, encourage competition, reduce the number of patients who might fall into serious or critical condition while awaiting a response, and probably result in savings by reducing emergency hospital stays.