Celebrating Ka‘u Hospital and Clinic’s Expansion
$9 Million to upgrade and modernize the facility.
Pahala, Hawai‘i (December 10, 2024) – Ka‘u Hosptial and its East Hawaii Health Clinic celebrated the hospital’s $9M expansion project to upgrade and modernize the facility with a groundbreaking celebration. Staff, hospital leadership, legislators and community members attended the event that included a blessing by Ka‘u’s very own Kupuna Ke.
“During my visits to Ka‘u Hospital it became clear just how vital this CIP project is to ensuring quality access to medical services for the Ka‘u community,” said Senator Dru Kanuha. “I’m excited that these funds will enable HHSC to expand and modernize the hospital, and look forward to working with HHSC to create opportunities for improved care for our local residents.”
“This infrastructure upgrade is vital to maintaining and expanding our rural Ka‘u hospital,” said Representative Jeanne Kapela. “I’ve heard from so many constituents about the need for dialysis treatment options here in Ka’u. This upgrade is the first step in potentially being able to provide dialysis so we can provide the best possible care in our community.”
“Addressing the health care needs of the Ka‘u community continues to be a top priority for the board of directors for East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation,” said Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter, East Hawaii Regional Board Chair. “We thank our state partners for their continued support of this important project.”
“As an advocate of the community, I think any services that can be expanded is an asset to our people,” said Aunty Jessie Marques, Executive Director of Ka`u Rural Health Association. “It was nice to see all of the elected officials and the staff and representatives of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation come together to celebrate. It was a good day to fulfill our mission to continue networking and advocating for the people of Ka‘u.”
About the Expansion Project
- Adding 5 exam rooms to the existing 4 exam rooms in the clinic for primary care and behavioral health for a total of 9
- Updating clinic interior, new flooring, paint and ceiling tiles
- Relocating administration and business offices to the lower level
- Relocating and updating the laboratory
- Upgrading wastewater infrastructure
- $9M project, funded by the state
- Project duration 18-24 months, estimated completion in mid-2026
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Media Contact:
Elena Cabatu
Director of Marketing, Legislative & Public Affairs
808.333.7223 | ecabatu@hhsc.org
About Ka`u Hospital and East Hawaii Health Clinic
Ka`u Hospital was built in 1971 replacing the last of this island’s sugar plantation hospitals. The 21-bed hospital provides a 24/7 emergency department, inpatient medical and rehabilitation care, long-term care, x-ray and lab services, in addition to having a family practice rural health clinic. We have also grown to be one of the largest employers in the area. In 2001, Ka’u Hospital was certified as a critical access hospital – a federal designation given to small hospitals that provide essential emergency and acute care services in remote areas. In 2003, a rural health clinic was added to offer a broader range of health care to the community.
Ka`u Hospital is part of the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation, a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawai‘i to fulfill the promise to provide quality, hometown healthcare. For more information, go to: www.HBMC.org, www.honokaahospital.org, www.kauhospital.org, www.easthawaiihealthclinics.org, www.yukiookutsustateveteranshome.