Big Island Now poll no. 56: What is most important when considering a new hospital?

For years there has been discussion about moving the Kona Community Hospital, currently located in Kealakekua, to a more central location like North Kona.

A recent report – conducted by ECG Management Consultants – looked at the current and future healthcare needs of West Hawai‘i and identified two sites in Kailua-Kona where the 50-year-old hospital could move. Public informational meetings about the report brought out community members who questioned everything from the location to funding to expanding health care resources.

Click here to read the full report.

The report identifies the old Kmart site, located off Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway and up from Makala Boulevard, or the Queen’s site in the West Hawai‘i business park next to Costco as options for a new hospital location. Both properties are owned privately.

Aside from the location, Big Island now wants to hear from the public about other elements that are important when considering where to build a hospital.