West Hawai’i Community Health Center Opens Fifth Location

The West Hawai’i Community Health Center in Kealakehe opened its doors to patients for the first time Monday.

Built just south of Kealakehe High School, the new custom-built facility is 10,500 square feet and accepts most private insurances, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Patients who are uninsured can pay based on a sliding fee.

Needs of the community prompted the facility’s opening. Patients visiting the center will be provided with patient care that has minimal wait time for appointments, enhances coordination and referral for specialty care, and promotes programs that aim to improve health outcomes.

“With ten years of service behind us, West Hawai’i Community Health Center-Kealakehe adds to our capacity to meet the demand for health care in Kailua-Kona,” Richard Taaffe, West Hawai’i Community Health Center CEO said. “Our experienced and highly qualified team members are ready and excited to welcome new patients.”

The opening of the Kealakehe center marks the fifth location for the West Hawai’i Community Health Center.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Primary health cares for all ages is provided by a family physician, a physician assistant, two board-certified pediatric dentists and one general dentist.

A grand opening ceremony for the facility is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15.