Health facility's plans delayed again

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Officials with the Pacific Health Center, a facility expected to replace the acute care functions at Wahiawa General Hospital, were told yesterday again by members of the City Council Zoning Committee that they won't be able to get a planned review use permit until they obtain a certificate of need from the state Department of Health.

But Pacific Health representative Rodney Sato said he can't obtain a certificate of need until he knows for certain the parameters of the Waipi'o project. He said that can't be determined until he gets a planned review use permit from the council.

Now, Sato said, he wants the council to wait until at least September so he can obtain the certificate of need from the Health Department. The council has extended its application deadline.

Sato told committee members that he is looking forward to meeting with David Sakamoto, the new administrator for the State Health Planning and Development Agency. He said Pacific Health planners have not yet petitioned for a certificate of need because he was told by a former SHPDA administrator that he did not need to do so for the first phase since the existing certificate of need at Wahiawa could be transferred.

Sato said he can't understand why the council can't grant him a planned review use permit when other hospitals that previously came for permits were recommended for approval by city officials whose only caveat was that they not be granted building or other permits until they received the state certificate.

Deputy Corporation Counsel David Tanoue said it is up to Sakamoto and SHPDA to determine how Pacific Health should proceed.

Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz said he is frustrated by the council's inability to move out a project that is supported by nearly all in his North Shore-to-Mililani district. "I have to explain this to my constituents," he said.

But Councilman Nestor Garcia, who represents the Waipi'o and lower Mililani areas, said he wants to hear Sakamoto's interpretation of the rules. He noted that his constituents were "not too pleased" with some of Pacific Health's actions to date, which included a failed attempt to have the Legislature exempt it from city zoning regulations.

Sato said he has not yet contacted Sakamoto, who took office on July 1.

Pacific Health Center is planned for 210 acres across Ka Uka Boulevard from Costco Waipi'o. Besides a 72-bed acute care facility, plans also include a sports medicine complex and a biotechnology institute.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.