Kohala Hospital News

MidPacific Hospitalists Now Providing Care at Kohala Hospital Kohala Hospital is welcoming MidPacific Hospitalists (MPH) as its new inpatient physician team, expanding coverage and strengthening access to high-quality care across West Hawai‘i. This partnership enhances coordinated hospital-based services and supports patients and families in receiving trusted, physician-led care close to home. MPH is a locally based, private hospitalist group that serves five community hospitals on Hawai‘i Island. The physicians live and work in the communities they serve, bringing both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the patients and families who rely on local care. MPH is a sister organization to HEPA (Hawaii Emergency Physicians Association), sharing a commitment to bringing quality physician care to Hawai‘i’s communities. The MPH team at Kohala Hospital includes:

• Dr. Adam McMahan, Family Medicine
• Dr. James Finney, Family Medicine
• Dr. Crystal Hammer, Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine
• Dr. Dana Vinter, Internal Medicine
• Dr. Brendan Burkholder, Internal Medi cine

Hospitalists specialize in caring for patients during their hospital stay, working closely with nurses, specialists, emergency department staff, and care teams to ensure coordinated, compassionate treatment from admission through discharge. Around-the-clock physician coverage enhances continuity of care and supports timely clinical decision-making. This model helps streamline communication, reduce delays in treatment, and improve the overall patient experience. “We appreciate the opportunity to care for the patients in our community and are committed to providing high quality care to our Kohala Hospital patients. We will continue to work collaboratively to improve the care and access to care in our community,” said Dr. Crystal Hammer, president of MPH. The addition of MPH strengthens inpatient care and physician coverage at Kohala Hospital, part of West Hawaii Region’s continued commitment to ensuring we are here for every patient, every day.

Kohala Hospital has expanded its Radiology outpatient hours to make care more convenient for our patients. Services are now available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In addition, the Emergency Department (ED) waiting area has reopened to the public for the first time since COVID. Patients can enjoy a comfortable space while waiting for their appointment.

These updates are part of the West Hawaii Region’s ongoing effort to improve access and experience at our hospitals for every patient, every day.

For details, contact (808) 889-6211.

Kohala Hospital’s Department (ED) relocation and renovation project is nearing completion.  Hospital administrator, Gino Amar, recently updated the Kohala community on the progress of this project, which kicked off in July, 2013.

Phase 1 of the project included relocation and construction of a four bed, state-of-the-art emergency department.  

It is expected to be open for new patients by the end of the year.

As Phase 1 neared completion, hospital administrators made the decision to change the planned access point into the emergency department.  The implementation of a “walkway project” resulted in construction changes designed to create improved flow and direct entry into the ED.

“The initial entry plan was a bit confusing,” said Amar.  “The new entry will not be routed through the hospital, but will be a covered walkway with direct access into the emergency department.”

The walkway project required a few revisions to the original plan.  A window was replaced by a door, an exterior walkway cover was added and the parking area is being expanded with the addition of five new spaces, including handicapped parking.

As Phase 1 work was in process, plans for Phase 2 were set into motion.  Phase 2 included a triage area where incoming patients will initially be assessed.  It also includes a multipurpose room and waiting room with exterior entrances, and encompasses a covered ambulance carport and drop off area.

The emergency department is in the final stages of the inspection phase.

Prior to opening the new ED, hospital staff will perform mock drills to practice patient flow and resource allocation, test communications and orient staff.  The mock drills will include ED personnel along with staff from radiology, the laboratory and dietary departments.  The practice will help to identify any last minute changes that may be needed.  It will also allow staff members to become familiar and comfortable with the new facility.

The total cost of the emergency department relocation and renovation project is $1.2 million dollars.  Over $400,000 funding was provided through the efforts of the Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation.  Additional monies were received through Capital Improvement Project (CIP) monies from the State.  Capital Improvement Project funding is restricted to maintenance and facility improvement projects, and cannot be used for day to day hospital operations.

Once the emergency department construction is completed, hospital administrators plan to begin the process to expand their service lines.

“We would like to start looking at what services we can provide here that could meet the future needs of our North Kohala community,” said Amar.

After years of discussion, planning, and fund-raising, Kohala Hospital is set to begin demolition on its Emergency Room. The ER renovation/relocation project kicked off on July 1, 2013. A commemorative “wall-breaking” ceremony on June 20th included a blessing, a presentation on building plans and work phases, and light refreshments. The community was invited to join the festive occasion and to view the long awaited results of their investment, time, and patience.

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Kohala Hospital is in the midst of ongoing major renovations to our facility. Not only is the hospital looking better, but the renovations and upgrades enable us to deliver improved and more efficient healthcare to our patients, residents and community.

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Kealakekua, Hawaii – On January 9th, Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals received the Award of Community Excellence from The Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii in recognition of their recently adopted smoke and tobacco-free campus policies. Both campuses, which comprise the West Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, became smoke and tobacco-free effective January 1, 2013.

Brenda Larson, West Hawai’i Community Coordinator with the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai’i said, “The presentation of these awards recognizes both

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Kealakekua, Hawaii – Kona Community and Kohala Hospitals launched their smoke and tobacco-free initiative last week in conjunction with the Great American Smokeout. This was an opportunity for both facilities to communicate to employees and the public that they will become smoke and tobacco-free campuses beginning January 1, 2013.

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Kealakekua, Hawaii – Jay Kreuzer, Regional Chief Executive Officer for Kona and Kohala Hospitals today named Eugene “Gino” Amar, Jr. as the new Administrator of Kohala Hospital. He will assume his duties immediately.

Gino Amar has 20 years’ experience at Kohala Hospital. He began his career there as an accountant, then became the hospital’s business office manager. He subsequently moved up the ranks to assistant hospital administrator. Most recently, Mr. Amar was named acting administrator at Kohala Hospital.

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