MEDIA RELEASE

The East Hawaii Regional Board of Directors for Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) hold its annual public meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Ka‘u Hospital, 1 Kamani Street in Pahala.

Island residents are invited to attend this meeting, which will be specific to Ka‘u and its surrounding community.

An overview of services offered at Ka‘u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on the provision of healthcare for the residents of East Hawaii.

“We are seeking community input and assistance to develop plans in order to improve healthcare in East Hawaii,” said Gary Yoshiyama, Chair of the East Hawaii Regional Board of HHSC. “With our anticipated healthcare reform changes, it is critical that we have dialogue with all stakeholders.”

The East Hawaii Regional Board of Directors was created by the Hawaii State legislature under Act 290 in 2007.

HHSC facilities in the East Hawaii Region include Hilo Medical Center, Ka‘u Hospital, Hale Hoola Hamakua in Honokaa and the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Altogether, the four facilities combine for a total of 468 beds and more than 1,250 employees and 250 physicians.

For further information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.