HIAC Seeks New Location, Begins Capital Campaign

HIAC courtesy photo.

Hawai’i Island Adult Care, currently operating out of the old Hilo Memorial Hospital, is seeking to replace its current facilities with a new home incorporated into the Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood housing project site.

To accomplish its goal, HIAC is embarking on a Capital Campaign Community Donation Drive that would support the proposed 9,000-square foot building.

Over 80 elders would use the new facility, according to HIAC, providing a daytime home with the ability to still live at home.

“The present site at the old Hilo Memorial Hospital built in 1923 is in poor physical shape and beyond its useful life and repair,” said HIAC’s Capital Campaign Chair Jay Ignacio, who is also the President of Hawai’i Electric Light. “Unless a new facility is built, HIAC is in danger of closing its doors, leaving many families with no alternative except to place their loved ones in care homes or long term care facilities.”

The project is a collaborative effort between two Hilo-based nonprofits – HIAC and the Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation – known for developing self-help and senior housing on the Big Island, including the Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood Housing project.

HICDC is helping with fundraising, as well as managing the planning and construction of the new building.

As proposed, the new building will feature large open spaces for craft activities and physical fitness and quiet indoor spaces for reading, socializing, and relaxing.

In addition, the facility would have a certified kitchen, outdoor gardens, and a wandering path.

The project is projected to cost $7 million with over $4.1 million currently raised. It is projected that facility construction will begin this fall with completion in late 2017.

As part of the $4.1 million raised, the County of Hawai’i has provided $2,400,000 in Community Development Block Grants, as well as $1,385,000 from the Hawai’i State Legislature.

The Cooke Foundation and HEI Charitable Foundation have each donated $100,000, while LGA Family Foundation and the Matson Foundation donated $50,000 and $10,000, respectively.

In addition, $97,000 has been raised over a three-year period from individual donors.

“Hilo needs this facility,” said Karen Maedo, whose mother and mother-in-law attended Hilo Adult Day Center. “When our family needed a safe and nurturing place for our mothers, Hilo Adult Day Center was there for us. We are happy to support this urgent effort and hope others will join us in backing it.”

Hawai’i Island Adult Care is the largest single site and the only accredited adult day care center in the state and operates both the Hilo Adult Day Center and the Honomu Adult Day Center.