Kona Community Hospital to receive $18M

More than $18 million in capital improvement project funds have been set aside in the state budget for Kona Community Hospital.

From that amount, $16.2 million will go toward upgrades to infrastructure to mitigate the risk of the hospital’s closure, and $2.3 million is designated for expansion of the pharmacy.

In recent years, concerns have been raised by staff and the community regarding the risk of closure due to outdated utilities in the acute care hospital that has served the West Hawaii community for over 100 years.

“We are pleased that our state lawmakers recognize the essential role our hospital has in our community and are fully funding our request this legislative session,” Clayton McGhan, Kona Community Hospital’s CEO, said in a statement. “Our extraordinary staff at Kona Community Hospital have worked hard to extend the life of our equipment and facilities, while ensuring exceptional care. (The funding) will allow us to make necessary repairs so that our employees can focus on what they do best: providing quality, compassionate care for our families, friends, and neighbors.”

McGhan added: “We especially want to thank state Sens. Dru Kanuha and Tim Richards, and state Reps. Nicole Lowen and Kirstin Kahaloa for leading this effort and making sure our community’s voice is heard and our needs are met.”

The West Hawaii lawmakers prioritized the hospital upgrades during the current legislative session.

“Over the past year, we have heard from hospital leaders and community advocates about the issues facing our hospital, so I’m thrilled that we were able to secure over $18 million to assist with critical upgrades and expansion,” Kanuha said in a statement.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to Sen. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran and Rep. Scott Y. Nishimoto for their work on this year’s capital improvement project budget — specifically, for recognizing the importance of these projects for West Hawaii,” Kanuha added. “These funds will go towards ensuring that Kona Community Hospital can meet the needs of our community as we prepare to expand medical services for residents in the near future.”

In a statement, Kahaloa said the funding “is an investment in the health and safety of our families for years to come. Mahalo to my colleagues in the House and Senate for prioritizing these critical projects, and to the doctors, nurses and all medical professionals who are on the front line every day for our people.”

Originally founded in 1914, KCH has since grown to a 94-bed full-service acute care hospital that serves the community with a 24-hour emergency department that is designated as a Level III trauma center.

A final version of the state budget bill will head to the governor’s desk for his signature.