• Dr. Adam McMahan, Family Medicine
• Dr. James Finney, Family Medicine
• Dr. Crystal Hammer, Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine
• Dr. Dana Vinter, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Brendan Burkholder, Internal Medi cine

Hospitalists specialize in caring for patients during their hospital stay, working closely with nurses, specialists, emergency department staff, and care teams to ensure coordinated, compassionate treatment from admission through discharge. Around-the-clock physician coverage enhances continuity of care and supports timely clinical decision-making. This model helps streamline communication, reduce delays in treatment, and improve the overall patient experience. “We appreciate the opportunity to care for the patients in our community and are committed to providing high quality care to our Kohala Hospital patients. We will continue to work collaboratively to improve the care and access to care in our community,” said Dr. Crystal Hammer, president of MPH. The addition of MPH strengthens inpatient care and physician coverage at Kohala Hospital, part of West Hawaii Region’s continued commitment to ensuring we are here for every patient, every day.

The expanded Infusion Center is in response to the growing demand for infusion and oncology services in West Hawai‘i and reflects the region’s commitment to expanding access to care while enhancing the patient experience. The center doubles the treatment capacity from six to 12 infusion chairs and enhances patient comfort with privacy barriers between areas.

The facility includes a negative-pressure isolation room designed to accommodate higher risk patients and procedures previously performed in the surgical suite due to space constraints. By relocating these services to the Infusion Center, Kona Community Hospital is improving its convenience and continuity of care for patients. The center also features a dedicated waiting area for families, along with ADA-compliant restrooms, creating a more accessible, supportive, patient-centered environment.

“The expanded Infusion Center is a meaningful investment in West Hawaiʻi’s health care infrastructure,” said Senator Dru Kanuha. “By increasing capacity and improving access to critical outpatient services, this project helps ensure our residents can receive high-quality care in their own community. I’m proud of the Legislature’s support for this effort and grateful to the health care teams who serve our community every day.”

During the blessing remarks were provided by Clayton McGhan, CEO of West Hawaii Region of HHSC, Representative Kirstin Kahaloa, and Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, who reflected on the transformation of the space and its significance for the community. Remarks were also provided by Joshua Stolaroff, grandson of Milton and Ursula Stolaro, whose foundation had donated a sizeable amount toward the project.

August 26, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST

Suicide is a persistent public health concern in Hawaiʻi, ranking as the second-leading cause of fatal injuries.

Recent data reveals that nearly four Hawaiʻi residents die by suicide every week, with 1,056 lives lost between 2019 and 2023. Each suicide and suicide attempt has lasting emotional, mental, physical, and economic impacts on families and communities. According to the data:

• Men account for more than 76% of suicide deaths in Hawaiʻi.
• Men ages 30 to 59 face the highest risk of dying by suicide.
• Young women ages 15 to 19 have the highest rates of suicide attempts.

These disparities highlight the need for multifaceted prevention strategies, resources, and cross-sector collaborations to create hope through action.

The state of Hawaiʻi recognizes September as “Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month,” with Sept. 10 observed globally as World Suicide Prevention Day. Throughout the month, suicide prevention partners and advocates—representing state, community, and the military—will conduct a multitude of events across the state to increase public awareness, reduce stigma, increase connectedness, and promote healing.

Together with Veterans Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Island Prevent Suicide Task Force are hosting a majority of the seven events scheduled to recognize the month, which include:

• 2nd Annual Veteran Resource Fair on Aug. 30: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i is hosting the fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
  For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• SafeTALK on Sept. 8: Hawaiʻi Island Prevent Suicide Task Force is hosting a free suicide prevention training from 12 to 4 p.m.
  For information, email hipreventsuicide@gmail.com.
• “How to Have the Uncomfortable Conversation” on Sept. 12: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i and The Guardian Foundation is hosting the talk story from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Ka‘ū.
  For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• Adult Mental Health First Aid on Sept. 15: A free training by Child and Family Services, with funds from the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, at the University of Hawai‘i Hilo.
  For information, email mbell@cfs-hawaii.org.
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on Sept. 20: The walk will be at the Makaʻeo Walking Path at the Old Kona Airport Beach Park from 9 to 11 a.m.
  Hosted by the Kona Community Hospital, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, Hospice of Kona, and County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation
• Any is Too Many Suicide Awareness Sign Waving Campaign on Sept. 22: Together with Veterans Hawai‘i and American Legion Post 3 will host the sign waving from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Bayfront Highway across from the King Kamehameha statute in Hilo.
  For information, email twv.hawaii1@gmail.com.
• Sign waving on Sept. 27: Hawai‘i Island Prevent Suicide Task Force will host the sign waving on the Bayfront Lawn on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. F
  For information, email hipreventsuicide@gmail.com.

“Behind every statistic is a life cut short, leaving behind a family forever changed. While the numbers can feel overwhelming, they remind us why this work is so critical,” said Gov. Josh Green. “Through initiatives like the ‘Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide’ and the dedicated efforts of our state agencies and community partners, we are committed to saving lives and supporting those in crisis.”

“Every person we reach, every connection we make, and every resource we can provide brings us closer to a future where fewer families in Hawaiʻi experience this devastating loss,” he continued.

Dennis Hida, chair of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawaiʻi Chapter, stated that the organization has a goal to reduce suicide by 25% in Hawaiʻi, which will be accomplished by raising awareness of suicide prevention, helping to fund critical research, advocating for vital resources, and being a safe place where people are supported and better understood.

“Suicide prevention has to be a shared responsibility,” said Renee Yu, suicide prevention coordinator for the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch. “Connection is the most powerful suicide prevention tool. By strengthening our connections to each other, our communities, and our land, we will save lives.”

The 2023 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed some key findings:

• Of public middle school students, about 34% have felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, causing them to stop doing some usual activities; about 26% have seriously thought about killing themselves.
• Of public high school students, in the past 12 months, about 35% felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, causing them to stop doing some usual activities; about 16% have seriously considered attempting suicide.

“Too many of our keiki feel like they don’t know how to get the help they need,” said Keli Acquaro, administrator for the Department of Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division. “Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported when it comes to their mental health. Show the young people in your life that their mental health matters—listen without judgment, offer support, and remind them they are not alone.”

“In the embrace of community and the strength of culture, we connect to care,” said Deborah Goebert, co-chair for Prevent Suicide Hawaiʻi Task Force, “offering hope, extending help, and fostering healing. Together, we collaborate to prevent suicide.”

If you are struggling, help is a call, text, or chat away. Resources available include:

• Hawai‘i CARES 988: Call or text 988, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  A free and anonymous crisis, mental health and substance use call center.
  Locally trained and qualified staff provide supportive counseling and screening for urgent or emergent mental health or substance use needs, recommendations for behavioral health assessments, services and crisis interventions.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Hawai‘i Chapter: An organization that brings people together from all backgrounds to prevent suicide and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
• Hawai‘i Poison Center: Call 1-800-222-1222 for poisoning emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free, anonymous online suicide prevention training
• Prevent Suicide Hawai‘i Task Force

Parking Lot Project Update

July 17, 2025
Temporary Parking Changes

July 11, 2025
Kealakekua, HI —Kona Community Hospital (KCH) will begin a parking lot expansion, resurfacing, and paving project on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, with work expected to continue through mid-October. This project is part of the critical infrastructure improvements funded through the Risk of Closure Capital Improvement Project (CIP) allocation provided by the State Legislature and Governor Josh Green.

The project will improve parking access and safety for staff, patients, visitors, and the community. Patient and visitor parking will remain available throughout the project, but drivers should expect to be rerouted to different parking areas as work progresses.

Traffic control personnel will be on-site as needed to help direct vehicles and ensure safe and efficient access to the hospital. Additional parking is available at the Old Courthouse lot located just below the hospital for anyone who chooses to use it. If special assistance is needed to travel from the Old Courthouse lot to the hospital, arrangements can be made with the hospital’s maintenance team during daytime hours only.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this important project,” said Jane Clement, Regional Director of Marketing, Legislative Affairs and Strategy. “Our goal is to continue supporting every patient, every day by improving accessibility and ensuring a safe, welcoming experience for everyone coming to the hospital.”
Regular project updates will be posted on our website at kch.hhsc.org and shared on our social pages at Facebook and Instagram @westhawaiiregion .

The expansion includes a new compounding suite that will allow KCH to safely prepare medications – including chemotherapy drugs – on site.

“It will bring important efficiencies to our operations and, more importantly, better serve our patients by eliminating the need to outsource this critical service,” said Clayton McGhan, West Hawaii Region CEO.

Joining Governor Green at the blessing ceremony were Senate President Ron Kouchi, Sen. Dru Kanuha, Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa, and Sen. Tim Richards.

The new facility supports longer beyond-use dates, which improves efficiency and reduces labor and material costs. It also strengthens KCH’s emergency preparedness by increasing the volume of compounded medications on site, and enhances KCH’s ability to provide oncology and other specialized treatments.

“Today marks more than just the completion of a construction project; it represents a major advancement in how we care for our community,” said Rick Cleave, Kona Community Hospital interim regional director of pharmacy.

With this expansion, many patients, who previously needed to travel to Hilo or Oahu for treatment, can instead receive care closer to home.

The $2.3 million pharmacy expansion project was funded by the Hawaii State Legislature and Governor Green’s administration. The new compounding suite is expected to be fully operational by the end of the summer.

“When people walk through our doors, we want them to feel seen and heard. We want them to know that they matter to us, and we will do everything we can to provide the personalized care and attention they and their families deserve,” said Clayton McGhan, CEO of West Hawaii Region and Kona Community Hospital. “Each person’s medical needs and preferred care are as unique as they are, and they deserve to be treated with compassion.”

The new brand means a fresh look, complete with a reimagined set of logos and color palette. The bold triangles are culturally significant, paying homage to the sails of Polynesian voyaging canoes and symbolizing the commitment to navigating each medical journey in a collaborative, innovative way that moves health care in West Hawaii forward.

The colors thoughtfully represent each hospital’s unique location and cultural connection. The teal for Kona Community Hospital is reflective of the waters off Kealakekua that are visible from the hospital campus. The earthy red for Kohala

Hospital signifies the richness of the land there and the culture rooted in the area’s history. The golden yellow of the regional logo is reminiscent of the sun that shines light and fosters life and growth across the region.

Over the next weeks and months, the hospitals will gradually begin integrating the new logos and colors, but the essence of each facility and the West Hawaii Region remains unchanged and true to its core.

“We are a family, and to us, each person who comes in here becomes part of our family,” said McGhan. “Our commitment is more than a word. It is our promise to our community that at Kona Community Hospital and Kohala Hospital, you will be treated with respect, understanding, and aloha. Here, you will feel safe and protected. We are here to serve and provide you with exemplary care each step of your medical journey.”