KAANAPALI — The West Maui Hospital and Medical Center project is taking shape, with plans to begin construction of the critical access hospital next year.

Brian Hoyle, president of the West Maui Hospital Foundation, provided an update on the project to Lahaina News.

He explained that the 14.99-acre fully entitled and Hospital Certificate of Need-approved site on Kakaalaneo Drive in Kaanapali is fully graded with all in-ground drainage lines completed.

An offsite sewer line is now finished, with offsite water lines to be completed before the summer of 2023.

Plans and permits for a five-bed critical access hospital (CAH) on 5.085 acres with 24-hour emergency room, three operating rooms, radiology, lab, pharmacy and outpatient services are scheduled to be completed this year.

Construction of the critical access hospital is expected to start in 2024 with completion in 2025.

A CAH provides access to medical care for patients who might otherwise have a hard time reaching a hospital — in this case Maui Memorial Medical Center, which is over 32 miles away from Lahaina Town and 47 miles away from Kapalua.

The West Side is further isolated by its single access in Honoapiilani Highway, which can be impacted by accidents, brush fires and flooding events.

To be designated a CAH by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the facility must be located in a rural area (or an area that is treated as rural); be located either more than 35 miles from the nearest hospital or CAH, or more than 15 miles in areas with mountainous terrain or only secondary roads; and furnish 24-hour emergency care services seven days a week, among other criteria.

Once a hospital is designated a CAH, it qualifies for some reimbursements for costs from Medicare, as the facility provides improved health access for its rural patients.

The West Maui Hospital building will be owned and operated by the nonprofit West Maui Hospital Foundation Inc. subject to a long-term Ground Lease from Newport Hospital Corp.

Medical office/clinic building(s) and an assisted living facility are also part of the West Maui Hospital and Medical Center project. They are expected to be built in 2024-25.

West Maui Hospital Foundation Board Member Jo Anne Johnson Winer said that the foundation is seeking a $7 million Grant-in-Aid (GIA) from the Hawaii Legislature to help fund construction of the hospital and purchase equipment for the facility.

She provided an update on the project at the recent West Maui Taxpayers Association Annual Meeting.

Johnson Winer explained, “I met with State House Representative Elle Cochran and also State Senator Angus McKelvey, who were very gracious in assisting with the process and who are also supportive of the West Maui Hospital project.

“In addition, I was able to drop off an informational packet to Governor Josh Green which contained the updated information on the West Maui Hospital project, including a hard copy of the power point presented to the Maui County Council, a copy of the resolution passed by the Maui County Council in support of our request through the State GIA for seven million dollars, as well as letters of support for the hospital.”

Johnson Winer thanked the community for supporting the project, as well as Tamara Paltin, Tasha Kama and the rest of the County Council for passing the resolution.

“I am uncertain that we will be able to secure the full amount we are requesting; therefore, Senator McKelvey and House Member Cochran are willing to help by requesting a special purpose revenue bond that may assist us with additional funding needed for construction and equipment.”

For information and updates on the project, visit wmhf.org.