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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, March 6, 2009

LAHAINA
West Maui hospital plan clears final review panel

The proposed West Maui Hospital and Medical Center on Wednesday received its third and final recommendation for approval, the Maui News reported.

The state Certificate of Need Review Panel voted 6-0 to endorse the project.

Newport Hospital Corp. plans to build a 25-bed acute-care facility and a 40-bed skilled nursing home on 14.9 acres neighboring the Lahaina Civic Center.

"I'm floating," said West Maui Improvement Foundation president Joe Pluta. "Triumph of hope over adversity — that's what this is."

The foundation and West Maui Taxpayers Association have been supporters of the project.

All that remains is a final decision by state Health Planning and Development Agency Administrator Ronald Terry. State law requires a decision by early May, which is within 90 days of when the application was deemed complete and ready for review.