Hawaii Expands Healthcare Access with New Partnership in Kona

A new public-private partnership is set to enhance healthcare services on the west side of Hawaii Island. On Wednesday, Governor Josh Green announced plans for a collaboration between the state and The Queen’s Medical Center to establish a new outpatient care facility in Kailua-Kona. The state will allocate $50 million in bonds to support this initiative, which aims to address the longstanding healthcare gap in the region.

The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) and Queen’s have formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a 50,000-square-foot outpatient center adjacent to the new hospital planned by Queen’s. “It will be transformative,” Green stated at a press conference, emphasizing the immediate benefits this facility will bring to residents of the Big Island. He noted that the West Side is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state and has been underserved for too long.

The partnership aims to tackle significant challenges in healthcare access, particularly the difficulty in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas. Green highlighted that the new facility is expected to reduce patient wait times and create hundreds of local healthcare jobs.

Under the terms of the MOU, Queen’s will provide three to five acres of its 30-acre property for the outpatient center. “This new Outpatient Care Center will provide a seamless transition between inpatient and outpatient care, creating a one-stop hub for primary and specialty care services,” stated Jason Chang, President and CEO of Queen’s, in a news release. The facility will include clinical services such as diagnostic lab tests and routine checkups, with immediate access to emergency services next door.

In December, Queen’s announced plans for a modern 80-bed hospital in Kona, which will feature a state-of-the-art emergency department, an ambulatory care center, and a helipad for interisland patient transfers. The development will also include housing initiatives aimed at providing affordable living options for healthcare workers.

Reflecting on the collaborative effort, Clayton McGhan, CEO of HHSC West Hawaii Region, noted, “For a long time, our region has struggled with many different challenges, like physician shortages and limited access to care. By teaming up with The Queen’s Health System and the state of Hawaii, we finally have a coordinated, sustainable way to tackle these issues together.”

Patients are already witnessing positive changes, as Queen’s surgeons have begun rotating at Kona Community Hospital, enabling residents to access services that previously required travel across the island.

HHSC has requested the initial $50 million in state funding for the planning, design, and site work for the outpatient center, with further funding anticipated to complete the project. Governor Green also mentioned the expectation of receiving $200 million annually for five years in federal grants aimed at enhancing rural healthcare in Hawaii.

In addition, Green announced that $16.5 million will be added to the upcoming fiscal year’s state budget to offset the loss of enhanced federal tax credits for residents covered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Approximately 24,000 Hawaii residents are enrolled in the ACA health care exchange, which is also known as Obamacare. With tax credits set to expire on December 31, an estimated 8,000 individuals may lose their health insurance coverage.

As a physician from the Big Island, Green expressed his optimism about the new outpatient care center, stating, “This has got to be one of the happiest moments I’ve got.” The collaborative efforts between the state and healthcare entities signal a significant step forward in improving health services for the community.