Hilo Benioff Medical Center breaks ground on expansion project

Hilo Benioff Medical Center held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction of its hospital expansion project that will include a new 19-bed intensive care unit and 36 additional hospital beds.

This $80 million project will help alleviate the state’s hospital bed shortage on Hawai‘i Island and has been made possible through a combination of public and private funding. The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks by hospital leadership, government officials and community supporters.  

“Today marks a great day for health care in our state as we break ground on this historic project to increase hospital bed capacity on Hawai‘i Island,” said Gov. Josh Green. “The island’s largest hospital desperately needed these beds to care for the growing community and today, we are delivering on our commitment to improve healthcare in the state.”

In the 2023 legislative session, the Hawai‘i State Legislature awarded $50 million for the hospital’s expansion project, which was released by Gov. Green this March. 

“We feel honored and blessed to have been part of the Hawai’i community for so many years and to be able to support our ‘ohana in this way,” said Marc Benioff, chair, CEO and co-founder of Salesforce.

Last month, Marc and Lynne Benioff donated $50 million to the hospital, a portion of which will go toward the expansion project. 

“We fought hard to bring this funding to Hilo,” said state Sen. Lorraine Inouye. “Our people deserve high-quality health care close to home. Today, we are kicking off this major construction project with the best of intentions for a healthier Hawai‘i Island.”

About the Hospital Expansion Project

• First floor: covered parking
• Second floor: 19-bed intensive care unit
• Third floor: 36 additional hospital beds
• 66,000 square-foot expansion
• Anticipated completion is spring 2026
• $80 million project paid for by public and private funding
• First major expansion since the hospital was originally built in 1985 and opened in 1986