New Kona Hospital Needed

News Release from Dalhouse Campaign, August 21st, 2024

Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi: Tim Dalhouse, candidate for House Representative in North Kona’s District 7, announces his community-focused strategy to build a NEW Kona hospital. Hearing from the Kona community and seeing the need firsthand, he has made this issue central to his campaign.

As stated by Tim Dalhouse on his website and in his campaign materials, “I will fight relentlessly to secure the healthcare Kona needs and deserves.”

Kona’s current hospital is old, in disrepair, and cannot meet the demands of West Hawaiʻi’s healthcare needs. 90% of the peak-time population lives more than 15 minutes away, directly contributing to higher mortality rates.

The current hospital has been at risk of losing its Level 3 Trauma Designation due to outdated facilities, while a staggering 40% of inpatient and 62% of outpatient surgeries are forced to go elsewhere. Lack of skilled nursing/rehabilitation facilities result in up to 100-day hospital stays for wait-listed patients. According to Dalhouse, “these are shocking numbers that impact the entire community.”

A study was done in May of this year by ECG Management Consultants, commissioned by the Kona Community Hospital, to determine the leading healthcare disparities in the region, how they can be solved, and if KCH needs a new hospital facility – and if so, where this new hospital would be located and what capabilities will it need to address these healthcare disparities.

The final recommendation was to build a new hospital, with two potential site locations identified, and to repurpose the current facility for urgent care and skilled nursing/rehabilitation.

“There is already a basic plan, but what is needed is State funding and resources to start the project.” says Dalhouse. “That will be my mission as District 7 House Rep – to champion this cause in the State Legislature to procure the needed focus and resources at the State level.”

Tim Dalhouse is an accomplished problem solver. He’s a Marine Combat Veteran, who achieved the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps leading flight operations; a Small Business Owner; Director at the Kailua Village Business Improvement District (KVBID) Board of Director; and Dalhouse holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) & Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Tim Dalhouse is also dedicated to reducing the cost of living, improving infrastructure, and fixing the homeless crisis: “I envision a future for everyone right here in Hawaiʻi. Unfortunately, career politicians have forgotten about the needs of the community. We need new leadership who’s focused on getting things done.”

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PDF:  Kona Comm Hospital Strategic Analysis and Relocation/Replacement Plan Recommendations