KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi – West Hawaii Region of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) today expressed deep appreciation to Governor Josh Green, Senator Dru Kanuha, Representative Nicole Lowen, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, and the leadership and members of the House Finance Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee for their support in securing $50 million in the state budget for the Outpatient Care Center.
“I have long supported efforts to expand health care capacity in West Hawaiʻi, and I’m proud the Legislature recognized the importance of maintaining this project in the state budget,” said Governor Josh Green. “This investment is an important step toward building a stronger, more resilient health care system that meets the growing needs of the community.”
The funding, finalized with passage of the state budget, represents a significant investment in expanding access to essential outpatient services and strengthening the health care system for residents of West Hawaiʻi.
“This investment is a powerful commitment to the people oh Hawai‘i island,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO of the West Hawaii Region, HHSC. “It allows us to expand outpatient capacity and ensure that more residents can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home.”
The Outpatient Care Center has been a longstanding priority for West Hawaii Region, addressing critical needs for expanded outpatient services and reducing barriers to care for families. Securing and preserving funding required a sustained advocacy and leadership throughout the legislative session.
“Delivering this $50 million investment for West Hawaiʻi is the result of strong collaboration and a shared commitment to our community,” said Senator Dru Kanuha. “This investment
creates a catalyst for the health care infrastructure needed to meet the growing demands of the region.”
West Hawaiʻi Region also thanked the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means Committees for recognizing the importance of the project and maintaining their support through complex budget deliberations.
“For years I have fought to improve health care in West Hawaii because I have heard from district residents about the lack of specialists, long travel times, and limited access to essential services, said Representative Nicole Lowen. “This funding is about more than a building; it is the anchor that will lead to a new hospital in North Kona, and will ensure the continued improvement of our health care capacity and services well into the future”
“In a rural community like West Hawaiʻi, access to health care is not guaranteed, it is something we have to intentionally invest in and fight for, said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa. “This funding for the Outpatient Care Center is a critical step toward ensuring our families can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home. It reflects our commitment to health equity and to meeting our community where they are.”
The Outpatient Care Center will further strengthen a public-private partnership between the State of Hawaiʻi and The Queen’s Health Systems. With the state’s investment in the Outpatient Care Center and Queen’s development of its hospital, the collaboration will deliver a more comprehensive and coordinated system of care for West Hawaiʻi.
“By pairing state investment with private development, we are maximizing the impact of public funds and building a more resilient health care system for our community,” Jason Chang, President and CEO of The Queen’s Health Systems, said. “This project will improve access, enhance health outcomes, and support the long term well being of our West Hawai‘i residents. We are incredibly thankful to area legislators, Governor Green, and the entire legislature for their investment in the health care of our state.”