HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-24 Carly-Rae Benavente Support TestimonyHILO BENIOFF MEDICAL CENTER 1190 WAIANUENUE AVENUE
HONOKA'A HOSPITAL HILO, HAWAII 96720
KA'U HOSPITAL PHONE (808) 932-3000
Y. OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME FAX (808) 974-4746
August 24, 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, Hawaii
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 Hawaii 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
Spec. I Permit applications for the proposed Kea'au Benioff Health Center.
Carly-Rae Benavente
Pre-Audit Clerk I
East Hawaii Region — Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
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