West Hawaii Commu-nity Health Center Board of Directors and staff recently celebrated a topping off ceremony with everyone signing the last support beam put in place on the 10,500-square-foot building in Kealakehe.
The ceremony, called “Muneage,” meaning putting up the roof, is a Japanese tradition that ensures the longevity and sturdiness of the building. In Hawaii, it is known as a topping off celebration. Completion of the $9.5 million facility is set for summer 2015.
Phase one construction of the center located on Keanalehu Drive near the Villages of Lai Opua will include seven exam rooms, a procedure room, eight dental operatories for children and adults, five behavioral health consult rooms, a patient services area, offices and storage.
When West Hawaii Community Health Center Kealakehe opens, it will add to a portfolio of five other West Hawaii Community Health Centers located in Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua and Waikoloa Village and the emergency adult dental van in Kailua-Kona.
The mission of West Hawaii Community Health Center is to make quality, comprehensive and integrated health services accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay. These services are culturally sensitive and promote community well-being through the practice of malama pono. For more information, visit westhawaiichc.org.