West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems blesses newly expanded infusion center

West Hawai‘i Region of Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation blessed the newly expanded infusion center at Kona Community Hospital on Feb. 6 during a special ceremony at the hospital in Kealakekua.

The newly upgraded facility doubles the treatment capacity from six to 12 infusion chairs and strengthens access to infusion and oncology services for West Hawai‘i residents.

It is designed to improve patient privacy and continuity of care while allowing more treatments to be delivered locally — and close to home. The new center also enhances patient comfort, with privacy barriers between infusion treatment areas.

“We are grateful for the community partnerships and the [Hawai‘i] Legislature’s support behind this expansion,” said West Hawai‘i Region Chief Executive Officer Clayton McGhan in his remarks during the blessing ceremony. “The transformation of this space reflects our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, that we continue to provide for every patient, every day.”

Upgrades at the center are in response to a growing demand for infusion and oncology services in West Hawai‘i. Improvements reflect West Hawai‘i Region’s commitment to expanding access to care while enhancing patient experience.

The facility includes a negative-pressure isolation room designed to accommodate higher-risk patients and procedures previously performed in the surgical suite because of space constraints.

It also features a dedicated waiting area for families, along with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms, creating a more accessible, supportive, patient-centered environment.

“The expanded infusion center is a meaningful investment in West Hawaiʻi’s health care infrastructure,” said Big Island state Sen. Dru Kanuha in remarks during the blessing. “By increasing capacity and improving access to critical outpatient services, this project helps ensure our residents can receive high-quality care in their own community.”

McGhan and Kanuha were joined in giving remarks during the ceremony by Big Island state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa and Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, who reflected on the transformation of the space and its significance for the community.

“As our hospital grows and, you know, gets innovative and in this case renovated, that really means a lot to us,” said Alameda in his remarks, adding to know that West Hawai‘i now has representation for this kind of facility is really special.

Remarks were also provided by Joshua Stolaroff, grandson of Milton and Ursula Stolaroff, whose foundation donated a sizeable amount toward the project.

Kahaloa said some of her legislative colleagues visited Kona Community Hospital and saw the old infusion center, understanding how tiny it was and many of the challenges patients endured to get the infusion care they needed.

“So the fact that we have a beautiful new facility that is expanded and larger makes a big difference for those who need that care,” she said in her remarks.