Kona Community Hospital joined community leaders and legislatures Tim Richards, Nicole Lowen, Kristin Kahaloa and Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth in a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the Kealakekua facility for the hospital’s drug compounding facility expansion.
“The intimate gathering included pharmacy staff who have been looking forward to this day for years,” said
Judy Donovan, Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning.
Once complete, the facility will allow the pharmacy to continue supplying life-sustaining medication for oncology patients.
“The irony of this financial lifeline is not lost on us,” said Missy Elliott, West Hawaii Regional Director of
Pharmacy. “Our pharmacy provides life-saving medications to our community. To know that we can
continue to do so and eventually increase our capabilities to provide our patients peace of mind
knowing that they can get the care they need closer to home is priceless.”
Gov. Josh Green signed the budget in June, appropriating a total of $18.5 million to Kona Community
Hospital for its pharmacy upgrade and capital improvement projects that will enable hospital employees
to continue providing a full range of services to West Hawaii.
“Today marks a significant milestone for our hospital and the patients who rely on our services,” said
Clayton McGhan, West Hawaii Regional Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to the community and
our partners for their support this legislative session so our dedicated staff can continue providing a high
level of compassionate care for years to come.”
The pharmacy drug compounding facility is expected to open in late 2024.