Big Island Now poll results: Services just as important to consider when looking at building a new Kona hospital

The Big Island community is optimistic, but also concerned, about the potential move of Kona Community Hospital.

Following a recent report, conducted by ECG Management Consultants, it assessed the current and future healthcare needs of West Hawai‘i. The report also included recommendations for potentially building a new Kona hospital in a more central location.

The report also identified two locations where the 50-year-old hospital, currently located in Kealakekua, could move. The first is 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.

Click here to read the full report.

In the latest Big Island Now poll that ran throughout July, accumulating 1,128 votes, we wanted to know the public’s opinion on the most important aspect when considering a new hospital.

While all options listed were considered important, with 603 votes, the next choice was services provided at the facility, receiving 258 votes.

One comment from Anonymous wrote: “I think it is sad that they are moving the hospital even further north. This is leaving those in Kau further for necessary care. The Ka‘ū hospital does not cover all ER or regular health care needs. What about us in the South? Why is it always about Kona and Hilo?”

Another comment from Fast Freddie provided an answer: population centers. “The price one pays to live away from the rat race.”

See below for the full results:

• Services provided 258 (22%)
• Time to complete construction 53 (4%)
• Proximity to highways 50 (4%)
• Close to existing infrastructure 48 (4%)
• If non of the above, leave a comment. 37 (3%)
• Accessible to public transit 34 (3%)
• Parking 24 (2%)
• Near existing homes 20 (1%)
• All of the above 604 (53%)