KEA’AU, Hawaii – The Hawaii Medical Service Association – or HMSA, the largest health insurer in the state of Hawaii – broke ground on the site of a new building in Kea‘au on Thursday.

A traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kumu Kimo Awai prepared the land for the future two-story office building. It will be located at the corner of Old Volcano and Kea‘au-Pāhoa Roads.

On hand were Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi, MSA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Gold, Bill Walter, President of W.H. Shipman, Limited, and Isemoto Contracting President Leslie Isemoto. The dignitaries helped break ground with traditional Hawaiian ‘ō‘ō sticks.

HMSA says the building’s design will be reminiscent of the plantation era with gabled roofs, ample overhang, and breezeways. It will house HMSA administrative offices and a call center. The 20,000 square-foot complex is expected to be ready for business by the end of 2014.

Also, Walk-in member service will be available at the HMSA Center in Hilo’s Waiākea Center beginning in mid-December.

Official rendering of the new HMSA building planned for Keaau