The Maui News

KAHULUI–Kaiser Permanente physicians, nurses, staff, Maui community partners stakeholders, and local dignitaries gathered on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort to celebrate the new 5,200-square-foot Lahaina Clinic.

The Monday event was named Hoʻōla (meaning to rejuvenate, to give life and energy, to heal in Hawaiian), marked a new chapter for the physicians, providers, nurses and staff who have provided care to the Maui community before, during and after the wildfires claimed much of Lahaina, including Kaiser Permanente’s original Lahaina Clinic.

This new clinic was prefabricated and built on the site in less than nine weeks. The clinic opened its doors to Kaiser Permanente members on March 28 as part of a soft opening while various operational pieces were phased in. Primary, same-day care, ob-gyn, pediatric care, lab, optometry and optical services are now available with pharmacy expected by early summer.

“Today’s Lahaina Clinic opening gives the community hope for expanded access to healthcare services, and addresses a long-known and critical shortage in many areas of practice,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. “Even before the tragic wildfires, the shortage of medical services on Maui was severe, so we congratulate Kaiser Permanente for continuing to step up to meet this great need.”

“Caring for the people of Maui and partnering with the community to rebuild is our true north. Our physicians and staff have not let any obstacle or hardships stop them from fulfilling our mission.” said Michelle Gaskill-Hames, BSN, MHA, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals regional president, Southern California and Hawaii. “We have been on this road of healing and recovery now for more than 8 months, and the Lahaina Clinic opening marks another crucial step forward in this long journey.”

“This clinic represents our ongoing commitment to provide exceptional medical care to the Maui community,” said Ramin Davidoff, MD, co-chief executive officer of the Permanente Federation. “The new modular clinic stands as a beacon of hope amidst this tragedy. Every one of our doctors, clinicians and employees is steadfast in their commitment to help this community heal in body, mind and spirit.”

A literal sign of hope is the original Kaiser Permanente Lahaina Clinic sign, which was one of the only things left standing on the original clinic grounds after the August 8 wildfires. The sign was transported from its original location about three miles away to this new location and stands as a reminder of the commitment to Lahaina.

“We hope that when the Lahaina care team arrives each morning, and when our members come to the new clinic, they will see the sign as a physical reminder that we are resilient and dedicated to caring for our West Maui community like family,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group.

The new Lahaina Clinic offers more clinical space for members and care teams while a permanent site in West Maui is identified and secured. In addition, one mobile health vehicle will remain at the new facility and serve as an extension to supplement the new clinical space.

“We’re grateful for the community and governmental partnerships that have helped us deliver care and medical services, including the Royal Lahaina Resort, which graciously hosted our mobile health vehicles, and the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, which helped us think outside the box to find a location for our modular clinic,” said Ed Chan, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals’ Hawaii Market president.