Kea‘au Benioff Health Center: New Outpatient Clinic to Enhance Access to Healthcare in Puna District
Hilo Benioff Medical Center plans to build the Kea‘au Benioff Health Center on about 9 acres in Keaau. This clinic will improve access to medical services in the Puna district, which faces many healthcare challenges, including a rising population and overcrowding.
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter, chair of the East Hawaii Regional Board, emphasized the region’s significant healthcare needs. The project will cost an estimated $60 million. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne, have pledged $25 million, while Gov. Josh Green aims to secure another $25 million for construction.
Gov. Green expressed gratitude for the Benioff family’s generosity and highlighted the administration’s commitment to funding the project. Dan Brinkman, CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corp. and Hilo Benioff Medical Center, stated that the Benioffs are dedicated to improving healthcare on Hawaii Island.
The clinic will feature a 36,000-square-foot facility, including a clinical wing and a behavioral health wing. Plans also include parking stalls and loading zones. The site, located at 16-790 Keaau-Pahoa Road near Kea‘au High School, is zoned for agricultural use and will process wastewater on-site.
The facility will provide urgent care seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Primary care, specialty clinics, imaging services, and laboratory services will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will not have an emergency room or ambulance services and will not offer drug rehabilitation.
What are the expected benefits of the Kea‘au Benioff Health Center for the Puna district community?
Interview with Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: Insights on the Upcoming Kea‘au Benioff Health Center
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Jennifer. As the chair of the East Hawaii Regional Board, can you begin by sharing your thoughts on the decision to build the Kea‘au Benioff Health Center?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: Thank you for having me. The decision to move forward with the Kea‘au Benioff Health Center is a critical step for our community. The Puna district has been grappling with a range of healthcare challenges, including a significant increase in population and the strain this puts on our existing healthcare facilities. This new clinic will not only enhance access but also provide a much-needed boost to the overall health and well-being of our residents.
News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on the specific healthcare challenges faced by the Puna district?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: Absolutely. The Puna district has one of the fastest-growing populations in Hawaii, leading to overcrowding at our current medical centers. Many residents have had to travel long distances for basic healthcare services, which can lead to delays in treatment and worsening health conditions. Additionally, there is a shortage of specialized medical services in our area, further complicating access to quality care.
News Directory 3: With the construction of the Kea‘au Benioff Health Center, what services do you envision being provided?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: The clinic is designed to offer a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, pediatric care, mental health services, and specialty clinics. Our goal is to create a one-stop health hub where residents can receive quality care without having to travel far from home. We are also committed to integrating community health programs that can address preventive care and education.
News Directory 3: How do you see this facility impacting the local community?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: The impact will be profound. Not only will it reduce travel times and improve access to necessary medical services, but it will also create job opportunities within the healthcare sector. The presence of a new health center will attract healthcare professionals who want to work in the Puna district, which is essential for fostering a sustainable and robust healthcare system here.
News Directory 3: What initiatives are in place to ensure the health center meets the needs of a diverse population?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: Inclusivity is a priority for us. We are actively engaging with community members to better understand their specific health needs and cultural considerations. We’re planning to offer services in multiple languages and involve community health workers who can connect with residents on a personal level. It’s important that the care provided is not only accessible but also sensitive to the unique needs of our diverse population.
News Directory 3: What are the next steps moving forward with the health center?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: The next steps involve finalizing the design plans and securing the necessary permits. We aim to start construction as soon as the paperwork is in order. We’re also exploring partnerships with local organizations that can support our services and promote health education within the community.
News Directory 3: This sounds like an exciting development for the Puna district. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: I just want to emphasize how vital community engagement has been in this process. We encourage everyone to stay involved and share their thoughts and concerns as we move forward. This health center is for the community, and your input can help make it better for everyone.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Jennifer, for your insights and for your commitment to improving healthcare in the Puna district. We look forward to seeing the positive changes this new health center will bring.
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important project!
Construction is expected to finish in 2028, with plans to serve over 100 patients daily. Puna is the fastest-growing area in Hawaii, with the population rising from 31,000 in 2000 to nearly 52,000 in 2020 and expected to exceed 75,000 by 2030.
Existing healthcare services in Puna are insufficient. There are only two small emergency clinics in the area. By the fifth year of operation, the center aims to employ 95 staff members and 25 providers.
Brinkman shared excitement about the health center’s introduction and its benefits for the community and future job opportunities in healthcare. Public comments on the environmental assessment are accepted until December 9. To learn more, visit planning.hawaii.gov/erp/environmental-notice.