Categorized | Health

Land purchase only first step toward new Kona clinic

Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.com Contributing Editor

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii may have announced the land purchase, but that is just the first step toward a new clinic to accommodate West Hawaii’s growing population.

It is not expected to be open until 2012, although no timeline has yet been finalized, said Jan Kagehiro, director of member and marketing communications. Architectural plans and design will be developed following internal reviews, and staff, member, and community input.  

The vacant land is part of West Hawaii Business Park, on the mauka side of Queen Kaahumanu Highway between Kona International Airport and Kailua-Kona across from Honokohau Harbor. 

“The physicians and staff who serve West Hawaii are very excited about this announcement that takes us one step closer toward a new, expanded state-of-the art facility for the community,” said Daryl Kurozawa, MD, Associate Medical Director Big Island and Maui. “We look forward to working with our staff, members, and the community to design the clinic.”  

The Kailua-Kona clinic currently is housed in the Hualalai office center, with a lease set to expire in 2012. 

The Kailua- Kona clinic began serving members in 1987. The Waimea and Hilo clinics opened in 1995. 

Today, Kaiser Permanente offers Big Island members more 138 doctors, nurses and support staff on island. 

“Knowing that I have 400 physicians and several thousand support staff within our system that I can call on at anytime gives me the assurance that we can care for all my neighbors and colleagues health care needs,” Kurozawa said. 

The recently purchased property was documented as including ancestral remains; however, an approved burial treatment plan is in place. Prior to the purchase, Kaiser Permanente reached out to the descendants of the area to discuss the project. 

Kurozawa said the organization has a deep respect for the community and the island’s rich history

“Kaiser Permanente will be part of Hawaii for many years to come,” he said.  

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided care and health coverage for more than 50 years. Its 4,400 employees and more than 410 doctors are dedicated to serving its members on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai.  

— Find out more:

Kaiser Permanente: www.kp.org

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