HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-28 PL-USE-2026-000046 & PL-SPP-2026-000136 Desmond Divine, HBMC, Support Testimony
From: Desmond Divine
To: Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Kea`au Benioff Health Center
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 11:13:36 AM
Attachments: image001.png
August 28, 2026
Mr. Louis Daniele III, Chair and
Members of the Windward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chair Daniele and Members of the Windward Planning Commission:
Testimony in Support of Use Permit Application No. PL-USE-2026-000046 and
Special Permit Application No. PL-SPP-2026-000136 relating to the development of the
the proposed Kea`au Benioff Health Center
Applicant: Hilo Benioff MEDICAL Center
TMKs 1-6-0003:007 (por) and 127 (por); Kea`au, Puna, Hawai`i
As an employee of our healthcare system that includes Hilo Benioff Medical Center, Kau
Hospital, Honokaa Hospital, and the East Hawaii Clinics in Hilo, Keaau, Pahoa and Kau, I
humbly request your approval the Use and Special Permits for the proposed Kea`au
Benioff Health Center.
I am excited about the opportunities that this new health center will bring to the residents of
Puna. I can foresee the time when my family, friends and neighbors will no longer have to
make the long drive into Hilo for urgent, primary, and specialty care, along with imaging and
other basic medical services. To have Keaau Benioff Health Center systemically integrated
with Hilo Benioff Medical Center will improve health services and coordination overall!
It is time that Puna and lower East Hawai`i is served by a comprehensive health facility that
is reflective of the growth of our community and the increase in such basic health services.
For these reasons, I ask the Windward Planning Commission to approve the Use and
Special Permit applications for the proposed Kea`au Benioff Health Center.
Sincerely,
Desmond Divine
Epic Continuous Educator
East Hawaii Region – Hilo Benioff Medical Center
1190 Waianuenue Ave.
Hilo, Hi. 96720
ddivine@hhsc.org
Desk: (808)932-3000 Ext 3959
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