HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-25 Daniel H. Belcher, MD Support Testimony8/25/26
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
Through this letter, I am requesting that the Windward Planning Commission to approve
the requested Use and Special Permits that would bring the proposed Kea'au Benioff Health
Center to Kea'au Village
The proposed health center is a much-needed facility that will expand access to local
healthcare not only for the residents ofKea'au, but also for surrounding communities that could
extend as far south as Ka`u and as far north as North Hilo.
The Kea'au Benioff Health Center will bring enhanced urgent care,primary and specialty
care, imaging and behavioral health services to the center of a region that is continuing to grow,
in some cases recognized as the fastest growing region on the entire Hawai`i Island. These
services will also provide greater opportunities for early prevention in the hopes of reducing
chronic health issues.
For these reasons, I humbly ask the Windward Planning Commission to approve the Use
and Special Permit applications for the proposed Kea'au Benioff Health Center.
Sincerely
Daniel H er, MD
3 Lahi St
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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