WASHINGTON — A new community outpatient clinic for veterans will be built in Leeward O'ahu by 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today.

It is the only Hawai'i clinic among a total of 31 the VA plans to open in 16 states over the next two years. Hawai`i already has VA outpatient clinics in Hilo, Kahului, Kailua, Kona and Wailuku.

"These new clinics will bring VA's top-notch care closer to the veterans who have earned it," said VA Secretary James B. Peake.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai`i, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, has pushed for the new clinic since last year to take care of veterans in the area who currently have to fight traffic into Honolulu for primary treatment.

A new clinic also could cut down the patient load at other VA medical facilities and allow veterans to have quicker care, Akaka said in an October letter to the VA.

"The needs of our veterans on Leeward O'ahu are growing over time," said Akaka on Thursday. "This new clinic will provide them with the basic services they need and have earned through their service."

Dr. Michael Kussman, the VA undersecretary for health, said the clinics foster better medicine.

"It makes preventative care easier for patents, helps healthcare professions have closer relationships with their patients and permits easier follow-ups for patients with chronic health problems," he said.