By Gino Amar
After many years of discussion, planning, and fundraising, Kohala Hospital is set to begin demolition on its Emergency Room. The ER renovation/ relocation project kicks off on July 1. The hospital will be holding a “wallbreaking” ceremony on Thursday, June 20, at 11 a.m. to commemorate this occasion. The ceremony will include a blessing, a presentation on building plans and work phases, and light pupu and refreshments. The public is invited to come and see the results of their investment, time, and patience.
Please note: The Kohala Hospital emergency room will continue to be open 24/7 in its current location throughout the ER renovation/relocation project.
Kohala Hospital would like to thank the Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation and all its board members, advisors, and volunteers for their continued support. Their annual fundraising efforts have grown to be impressive and fun events that we appreciate. The Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation has collaborated with the North Kohala Community Resource Center to obtain additional funding for equipment and to look for additional funding for the ER project above. Lastly, we’d like to thank our legislative team for their efforts on our behalf at the State Legislature to obtain limited funding available from the State.
Kohala Hospital has been receiving Capital Improvement Project (CIP) monies from the State ($2.2 million last year), which enable us to continue renovating the hospital. The building is over 50 years old, and there are other projects that require our attention such as re-paving the hospital parking lot and updating and renovating our water heater system. Capital Improvement Project funding is restricted to maintenance and facility improvement projects, and cannot be used for day-to-day hospital operations. We greatly appreciate the availability of these funds; however we still need to raise funds for equipment and improvements that cannot be funded by CIP or other governmental awards.
Please join us as we kick off this long awaited project. For information, please call 889-6211.
Gino Amar is the administrator for Kohala Hospital.
