Kahuku Hospital wins partial funding
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAHUKU — The Legislature has appropriated $750,000 for Kahuku Hospital, about one-third less than the hospital had requested to help stabilize its financial outlook and maintain services.
Kahuku Hospital, which had asked for $1.2 million, has said its existence is at risk amid growing operating costs and millions of dollars in debt. As the only critical-access medical facility between Kane'ohe and Wahiawa, it serves some 22,500 people.
House Bill 2796CD1 appropriates $9.6 million from the emergency budget and reserve fund for 39 health and human service programs, including grants, subsidies and services for the next fiscal year.
"We're not horribly unhappy," said Don Olden, hospital administrator and acting CEO. "We're not completely happy."
Rep. Michael Magaoay, D-46th (Kahuku, North Shore, Schofield), said the Legislature had tried to fund agencies that would not be able to continue services without help from the state. "Hopefully, in time they can be a little more profitable," Magaoay said.
The hospital had counted on the larger amount to help maintain its level of operations, including a 24-hour emergency room, acute care, skilled nursing care, obstetrics, outpatient surgery and physical therapy.
Olden said the hospital board would have to make some decisions about the future, but would continue current operations for now.
"We've been trying to line up additional funding from private donors, but we're finding that very difficult," he said.
Donors have asked that the hospital affiliate with a larger organization to help reduce costs.
Kahuku is in discussion with prospective partners, but has been turned down by The Queen's Medical Center, Castle Medical Center and Kuakini Health System, Olden said, adding that he is optimistic a partnership can be formed.
In February, the hospital held a series of community meetings explaining its financial situation to residents and asking for support, such as contacting legislators to lobby for money and using the facility more.
Olden said it's too early to tell if the hospital is being used more, but April has been a good month after a slow March.
The hospital expects more business when new laboratory equipment it has ordered arrives, he said.
The Legislature and governor showed their support for the hospital this year and last, thanks to community lobbying, Olden said.
"We are deeply grateful that the Legislature saw a need to help Kahuku last year, and they followed up this year, and we got the support from the governor last year," he said. "We're very grateful."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com. or 234-5266.
