New Hospital

Issue

The existing facility, Kona Community Hospital, is now almost 35 years old and is poorly located given the change in population center and future plans for urban expansion all north of Palani Rd .

• Kona Community Hospital was sited relative to Kona’s “Agricultural Period” to serve the South Kona area.
• Even with new roads (bypass and connectors), access is difficult and often life- threatening.
• No room for expansion.
• Basic facility is old and modification difficult.
• In the Kona area where “People at Leisure” is the economic driver, the “demand” and need is in an easily accessible area with adequate room for expansion north of Kailua Town.
• Current facility must remain in a different but compatible ancillary role that provides ER and other services to South Kona.

Position

Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce:
1) Strongly supports the building of a new West Hawaii facility north of Palani Road within a 10-year timeframe.
2) Believes that the existing facility MUST remain open and well maintained to serve the South Kona population.
3) Supports the joint development of a UH Kona Campus and “University” Hospital on State Land that is currently available north of Palani Road.