HKH awarded grant for new Honokaa facility design

HONOKAA — For the past 51 years, Hamakua-Kohala Health has provided quality health care to over 5,200 patients on the Hamakua Coast and in Kapaau.

An $800,000 Grant-in-Aid that was recently approved as part of the state legislative budget will enable Hamakua-Kohala Health to begin the planning and design process to construct a new building on the site of the old infirmary in Honokaa.

Due to mold and severe termite damage, the infirmary building cannot be saved and renovated, according to HKH staff. A new building will be designed to meet the growing health care needs of the North Hawaii community as well as provide new job opportunities for residents.

“I am very happy that the legislature was able to provide this Grant-in-Aid for Hamakua Health Center,” remarked Representative Mark Nakashima. “Hamakua Health Center is critical as a safety net for our residents along the Hamakua coast and this funding will help to ensure that the center is able to fulfill its important mission.”

HKH Medical Director Catherine Marquette commented, “the Honokaa clinic needs to expand our facilities. The health center in Honokaa provides primary care services to the community and the current facility lacks the space to expand to meet more needs of the community. The new building, once completed, will enable us to provide a wider range of services and programs for our community.”

CEO Irene Carpenter proudly accepted the generous gift.

“Our doctors, nurses, support staff, board of directors and I are extremely grateful to the Hawaii Legislature, especially Representative Mark Nakashima, for his strong support toward securing these funds for Hamakua-Kohala Health, as well as recognizing and helping fulfill the health care needs of our rural community,” she said.

For more information, call 775-7204 or visit www.hamakua-health.org.