Community groups and other benefactors have raised more than $130,000 so far this year for Ka'u Hospital and Rural Health Clinic.

The community service organization 'O Ka'u Kakou and the Ka'u Hospital Charitable Foundation raised $80,000 to purchase a 2008 Aerotech 14-passenger motor coach that can accommodate three wheelchair patients and a gurney.

Meanwhile, the Papale 'Ula 'Ula O Ka'u (Red Hats of Ka'u), the Ka Lea Quilters and the Ka'u Golf Group presented more than $18,000 to the foundation to install an oxygen system in the hospital's Emergency Department. The groups raised the money through craft and bake sales, a golf tournament and their annual "Olde Spaghetti Feed" at the Na'alehu Community Center.

Last year, they contributed $22,800 toward replacement of exam lights in the Emergency Department, and in previous years, the groups raised funds to help the hospital purchase two heart monitors, a portable X-ray machine and a pediatric code cart.

Ka'u Hospital also received support from a Bank of Hawaii Monty Richards Grant and a donation from Robert and Arlene Iwamoto of Roberts Hawaii for the purchase of a $15,000 ventilator for the Emergency Department.

The 21-bed hospital, part of Hawaii Health Systems Corp., provides acute- and long-term care including 24-hour emergency services and a family practice clinic.