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USE PERMIT APPLICATION <br />TMK: (3) 1- 5- 003:037 <br />1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT REQUEST <br />A. Details of Proposed Use /Development <br />1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION <br />The applicant, Aguinaldo 4, LLC, wishes to obtain a Use Permit to construct a <br />.medical facility, providing geriatric services, an X -ray laboratory, pediatrics, general <br />practice medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical' therapy and rotating specialists. <br />Geriatric physicians specialize in managing patients with complicated medical <br />diagnoses to help them maintain health and quality of life as they age. The emphasis <br />of the clinic is that it will allow older citizens to live in their homes independently, as <br />long as possible. Having a care center in Pahoa will enable seniors to have regular <br />care without the necessity of driving to Hilo; in many cases, having to be taken to <br />Hilo. There will be a unique affiliation allowing physician specialists to offer <br />comprehensive care for older patients in an environment that thrives on <br />collaboration between physicians and social workers of many different specialties <br />and from different areas in Hawaii. <br />X -ray imaging, also called radiography, is a fast and easy way to identify and diagnose <br />bone injuries and disorders such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, fractures and <br />infections. It can also aid in the detection and diagnosis of abnormalities in the chest <br />organs, including the heart and lungs. <br />Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, <br />children and adolescents. <br />A general practitioner treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care <br />and health education to patients. As a difference to medical or surgical specialized <br />doctors, they intend to practice a holistic approach that takes into consideration the <br />biological, psychological and social environment in which patients live. <br />Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient's teeth, gums, and other parts of <br />the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums <br />and on diet choices that affect oral health. Employment of dentists is expected to <br />grow by 21% from 2010 to 2020. Dentists will continue to see an increase in public <br />demand for their services as studies continue to link oral health to overall health. <br />Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They <br />prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. The need for optometrists is <br />expected to grow by 339 from 2010 to 2020, due mostly to aging baby boomers. <br />