LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO INCREASE PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE IN WEST HAWAII | |
HO‘OLOLI: TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE IN WEST HAWAII
By Jane Clement, Director of Marketing and Newsletter Editor in Chief
We’re excited to introduce Ho‘ololi, our new quarterly West Hawaii Region newsletter. Ho‘ololi means “to change,” and we want to share with you some of the positive changes, events, and news happening at Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital. At West Hawaii Region, we take great pride in caring for every patient, every day.
To submit stories, ads or updates contact marketing@westhawaiiregion.org.
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MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
Nearly 22 years ago, I found myself living in a remote village in Tonga. The living conditions were what many would describe as “third world” – there was no running water, no electricity, and very few modern conveniences.
At first, it was a shock to my system. The comforts we often take for granted were completely absent. And yet, something remarkable stood out: the people were genuinely happy.
Their joy didn’t come from material wealth or technology. It came from one simple, profound principle, community.
Neighbors didn’t just live next to each other; they lived for each other. People brought food without being asked, shared resources without hesitation, and supported one another as a way of life. There was a strong sense of human connection, an unspoken understanding that we were in this together. That connection created a kind of wealth that no amount of infrastructure or modernization could replace.
Today, working in healthcare, I see a direct and powerful parallel. We, too, are bound by something greater than ourselves. The patient – and the mission to heal – brings us together. It’s our shared purpose that creates unity across departments, roles, and disciplines. Whether you’re a nurse, a technician, a housekeeper, a provider, or an administrator, we are part of something deeply human. Like that village in Tonga, we are a community that thrives when we care for one another – and for those we serve.
In the rush of daily demands, it’s easy to lose sight of this. But when we pause to remember why we are here and who we are here for, we rediscover that connection. We remember that healing isn’t just clinical – it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply human. And we create the environment where every patient and their families, and ourselves can flourish, every day. Let’s continue to live out that purpose in the West Hawaii Region. Let’s care like a village.
Mahalo,
Clayton McGhan, CEO West Hawaii Region
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KOHALA HOSPITAL UPDATES
ADMIN EXPANSION UPDATE
Construction on the Kohala Hospital admin building expansion is underway. Completion date is scheduled for April 2026.
The expansion will include: an outpatient registration window, doctors’ sleeping quarters, and extra office rooms for administrators. The hospital is also expecting to expand to outpatient services, with a new addition of a CT imaging, currently not provided.
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KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL UPDATES
Parking Lot Update
Construction continues on the Kona Community Hospital parking lot. Select stalls remain blocked as contractors continue their work to expand, resurface and pave the parking lot to better support our patients, visitors, and staff.
This project is one way we’re working to improve the experience for all who come through our doors. Progress is on track for completion in October 2025.
| | | CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE | | With deep gratitude, we recognize our retirees for their years of dedication, compassion, care and commitment to the patients, staff, and community of the West Hawaii Region. | | | | |
