Health systems' merger pact expected to be signed Dec. 18

Associated Press

Kapiolani Health, Straub Clinic and Kaua'i's Wilcox Health System are combining to create what will be Hawai'i's largest health organization, officials said.

The state Health Planning and Development Agency several weeks ago approved the merger of the three health systems into one organization that will be known as Hawaii Pacific Health.

A signing of the merger documents, expected Dec. 18, would complete the deal, said Pat Oda, a spokeswoman for Kapiolani Health.

Several reviews, including a federal review called for under the Scott-Hart-Rodino Antitrust Act, must take place first before that can happen, she said.

The paperwork for the federal review has been filed and the organization is completing its own internal reviews, Oda said.

Under the terms of the merger, Hawaii Pacific Health will oversee the three health systems, which will retain their identities.

Roger Drue, president and chief executive officer of Kapiolani Health, will head up the management team for the new organization, which will have a full- and part-time work force of about 5,360, including physicians.

Hawaii Pacific Health is aiming for a start date of Dec. 23

"We are working towards that date as the official launch so we're hopeful that it will be approved," Oda said.