(BIVN) – $50 million in state funding has been released in support of a planned medical campus and outpatient care center in Kona.
The new facility, developed in partnership with The Queen’s Health Systems, will expand healthcare services in West Hawaiʻi, and “reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access care”, officials say.
Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha, Representative Nicole Lowen, and Representative Kirstin Kahaloa welcomed Governor Josh Green’s release of the funding, and provided the following statements in a news release:
“This is an important step toward bringing healthcare closer to home for West Hawaiʻi residents,” said Senator Kanuha (D, District 3). “Mahalo to Governor Green, Queen’s, and everyone who helped move this partnership forward.”
“West Hawaiʻi residents have been asking for better access to healthcare for decades,” said Representative Lowen (D, District 7). “This funding is a major step toward making that a reality. It’s incredibly meaningful to see years of community advocacy and collaboration finally coming to fruition. Mahalo to everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.”
“Every West Hawaiʻi resident has a story about the challenges of finding a doctor, getting an appointment, or needing to fly to see a specialist,” said Representative Kirstin Kahaloa (D, District 6). “This investment and the partnership with Queen’s are helping write the next chapter of healthcare for our community.”
