KEALAKEKUA — Kona Community Hospital and the HHSC West Hawaii Region Board Chairman William “Bill” Cliff died suddenly on Jan. 26 while vacationing with family.
He was 75 years old.
“We’re profoundly saddened by the news of Bill’s death,” said Jay Kreuzer, Regional CEO of Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital in a press release. “As chairman of the board of the West Hawaii Region, Bill was a thoughtful leader who was deeply committed to improving health care services for the West Hawaii community. He will be greatly missed.”
“Bill was a really smart, warm human being and a good friend,” state Sen. Josh Green, who represents Kona, said. “He helped make our hospital better and was selfless in every way. I miss him!”
Cliff joined the West Hawaii Region board of directors in 2010 and became board chairman in July, 2014. During his tenure, he played a key role on a number of committees including Strategic Planning for the West Hawaii Region. Inspired by the Kona Community Hospital mission statement, Cliff was passionate about maintaining focus on the future of quality health care in West Hawaii.
The West Hawaii Region is a member of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, a special agency of the state of Hawaii established in 1996. The West Hawaii Region consists of Kona Community Hospital, founded in 1914 and Kohala Hospital founded in 1917.
“Bill was an extraordinary man who enriched the lives of those around him,” Kreuzer said. “He will be remembered warmly as a mentor, a tireless public servant and a dear friend. Our deepest sympathies are with his partner, Gabriella, and their ohana.”