Nan and Wayne Kocourek, major donors to the new Clinical Decision Unit project, stand in front of the project sign at Maui Memorial Medical Center during a blessing ceremony in March. Photo Courtesy Maui Health

The Maui Health Foundation expects to hold a groundbreaking later this month for the future Nan and Wayne Kocourek Clinical Decision Unit at Maui Memorial Medical Center with the unit projected to open in late 2026.

The foundation held a blessing ceremony on March 10 for the future the Clinical Decision Unit which will be located next to the emergency department.

According to the health care provider, the new unit is designed to improve patient care by offering additional space for monitoring individuals who don’t require hospital admission but aren’t well enough to go home.

It will include 12 observation beds and an area for patients with chest pain.

“Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the entire state,” Maui Health CEO Lynn Fulton said in a news release. “Having a Clinical Decision Unit, with its 12 observation beds and dedicated area for patients with chest pains, will improve the timeliness and quality of care for Emergency Department patients. We’re thrilled with what this new addition will offer for our community.”

The ceremony was led by kahu Kimokeo Kapahulehua and attended by major donors Nan and Wayne Kocourek, state officials and community leaders.

“This blessing marked more than the opening of a new hospital unit,” said Melinda Sweany, Maui Health Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer. “It was a celebration of a community’s commitment to health, healing, and hope. Every donor who contributed to this project is part of the legacy we are building together.”

Foundation Board President Tamar Goodfellow credited the Kocoureks’ $1 million donation as the catalyst for funding, with additional support coming from community donors, Kaiser Permanente and the state.

Pre-construction work to prepare for the Emergency Department buildout began after the ceremony. The new unit is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.