Posted on: Sunday, January 9, 2005

Medical center given 15 acres in Kapalua

Advertiser Staff

KAPALUA, Maui — Maui Land & Pineapple Co. has agreed to donate up to 15 acres of land in Kapalua to Maui Memorial Medical Center, the two companies said yesterday in a joint news release.

Medical center CEO Wesley Lo said the land will be used for a new facility to provide acute and urgent healthcare services to the West Maui community.

Lo said the first phase of the facility is expected to be an emergency care component, with future plans calling for the facility to expand into acute and long-term care areas, as well as complementary and alternative care.

"Our goal is to get the emergency care here first, and then work towards meeting West Maui's comprehensive healthcare needs, including acute care, long-term care and integrated medicine," Lo said. "The 15 acres donated by ML&P will also allow us to grow comfortably to meet the needs of the community."

David Cole, chairman, president and CEO of Maui Land & Pineapple, said the medical center's plans fit with the company's plans for a lifelong wellness community at Pulelehua.

"We envision future services offered in conjunction with other health and wellness partners, including programs with traditional healers, medical schools, Miraval Kapalua (a health and wellness community) and private medical practitioners," Cole said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.