HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-25 Kimberly Callison 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 2k=, 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.
Also, as a resident of upper Puna, I am excited about the opportunities that this new health
center will bring to the myself and all residents of Puna. I can foresee the time when myself,
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 care 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
Special Permit applications for the proposed Kea'au Benioff Health Center.
Sincerely,
WAk OW,O,
Kimberly Callison
Registered Nurse
East Hawaii Health Clinic Cardiology
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