$25 MILLION SECURED BY PUNA LAWMAKERS FOR KEAʻAU BENIOFF MEDICAL CENTER

Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi – A major step forward to address the healthcare needs of East Hawaiʻi as Puna-area legislators today announced the $25 million in state funding secured for the Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center this legislative session, bringing total public funding to $29 million. This new funding complements a generous $25 million private donation from Marc and Lynne Benioff, longtime champions of healthcare and quality care for all that live here.

This partnership marks a transformative moment for Puna, one of the most medically underserved regions in the state. The 36,000 square-foot facility will provide urgent, primary and specialty care, imaging, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for tens of thousands of East Hawaiʻi residents. It will become the fifth location in the East Hawaiʻi region of the Hawaiʻi Healthcare Systems Corporation, a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawaiʻi to fulfill the promise to provide quality, hometown healthcare.  

“This is about providing meaningful access for underserved communities,” said Representative Chris Todd (House District 3 - Hilo, Keaʻau, Central Puna). “The people of Puna deserve timely, quality medical care—this funding brings us one step closer to that reality.”

Representative Jeanne Kapela (House District 5 - South Kona, Kaʻū, Puna Mauka) emphasized the facility's importance for maternal and child health: “Rural families in our community have waited far too long for access to care. The Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center will mean healthier families for generations to come.”

Representative Greggor Ilagan (House District 4 - Puna Makai, Pāhoa), who has championed better access to healthcare in Puna, expressed his gratitude: “This has been a long time coming, but we are united in our commitment to deliver for the people of Puna. I’m thankful to my colleagues, the Benioffs, and everyone who continues to believe in this vision.”

Senator Joy San Buenaventura (Senate District 2 - Puna), who ushered the funding through the Senate, added: “This facility is essential to public safety, disaster response, and long-term health resilience in Puna. With this funding, we’re not just investing in a building—we’re investing in people.”

“We are deeply grateful for the $25 million in state funding secured during this legislative session, which when paired with generous matching donation of Marc and Lynne Benioff, brings us significantly closer to realizing the Keaʻau Benioff Health Center,” said Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board.

Construction of the Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center is projected to be completed in 2028, with additional design and planning phases already underway. Lawmakers say the facility will also bring new jobs, training opportunities, and infrastructure to the region.

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