$25M in state funding secured for future Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center

A major step forward was taken Friday to address the health care needs of East Hawaiʻi as Puna-area state legislators announced $25 million in state funding was secured for Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center during the 2025 state legislative session.

That brings the total amount of public funding for the facility at $29 million.

The new state funds complement a previous private donation of $25 million from Marc and Lynne Benioff, longtime champions of heath care and quality care for all who live on the Big Island.

Overall, the grand total committed to the new medical center so far is at least $54 million between the Benioff donation and public funding.

This marks a transformative moment for Puna — one of the most medically underserved regions in the state.

The 36,000-square-foot facility will provide urgent, primary and specialty care, imaging, behavioral health and pharmacy services for tens of thousands of East Hawaiʻi residents.

It will also become the fifth location in the Hawaiʻi Healthcare Systems Corporation East Hawaiʻi Region.

Hawai’i Healthcare Systems, established nearly 30 years ago in 1996, is a public entity created by the state of Hawaiʻi aimed at fulfilling the promise to provide quality, hometown health care.

“This is about providing meaningful access for underserved communities,” said state Rep. Chris Todd, who represents House District 3, which includes Hilo, Keaʻau and central Puna, in a release announcing the new sate funds. “The people of Puna deserve timely, quality medical care — this funding brings us one step closer to that reality.”

State Rep. Jeanné Kapela, who represents House District 5, which includes South Kona, Kaʻū and Puna Mauka, emphasized the facility’s importance for maternal and child health.

“Rural families in our community have waited far too long for access to care,” she said in the announcement. “The Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center will mean healthier families for generations to come.”

State Rep. Greggor Ilagan of House District 4, which encompasses Puna Makai and Pāhoa, has championed better access to health care in Puna. He expressed his gratitude for the $25 million in state funds, and is especially thankful to his legislative colleagues, the Benioffs and “everyone who continues to believe in this vision.”

“This has been a long time coming, but we are united in our commitment to deliver for the people of Puna,” Ilagan said in the announcement.

Chairwoman of Hawai‘i Healthcare Systems East Hawaiʻi Region Board of Directors Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter said the her organization is deeply grateful for the additional state funding, which paired with the donation from the Benioffs brings realization of the new health care center that much closer.

The new health center is planned to be built on a 9-acre property west of Highway 130 and near Keaʻau High School at 16-790 Keaʻau-Pāhoa Road.

Construction of Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center is estimated to be completed in 2028, with additional design and planning phases already underway.

Lawmakers say the facility will also bring new jobs, training opportunities and infrastructure to the region.

State District 2 Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, who represents Puna, ushered the $25 million for Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center through the Senate.

She said the facility is essential for Puna’s public safety, disaster response and longterm health resilience.

“With this funding, we’re not just investing in a building — we’re investing in people,” San Buenaventura said in the announcement.