KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — The state budget bill that just cleared conference committee in the Legislature includes a more than $18 million lifeline for Kona Community Hospital, a small but critically important health care provider and employer for West Hawaii.

Specifically, the proposed capital improvement project funding includes $16.2 million for infrastructure upgrades that will help mitigate the risk of the facility’s closure and another $2.3 million for construction and equipment for a planned pharmacy expansion.

The threat of closure has hung over the 109-year-old acute care hospital for years due to outdated utilities.

Senate majority leader Dru Mamo Kanuha and Reps. Kristin Kahaloa and Nicole Lowen advocated for the facility during the session to help maintain access to health care in the traditionally underserved West Hawaii area.

“Over the past year, we have heard from hospital leaders and community advocates about the issues facing our hospital, so I’m thrilled that we were able to secure over $18 million dollars to assist with critical upgrades and expansion,” Kanhua said. “I’d like to extend my gratitude to Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Rep. Scott Nishimoto for their work on this year’s capital improvement project budget — specifically, for recognizing the importance of these projects for West Hawaii. These funds will go towards ensuring that Kona Community Hospital can meet the needs of our community as we prepare to expand medical services for residents in the near future.”

The hospital, founded in 1914, has 94 beds and a 24-hour emergency department that is designated as a Level III trauma center.

“For over a century, Kona residents have counted on Kona Community Hospital,” Kahaloa said. “This allocation of over $18 million to address our only medical center’s critical repair and capacity needs is an investment in the health and safety of our families for years to come. Mahalo to my colleagues in the House and Senate for prioritizing these critical projects, and to the doctors, nurses and all medical professionals who are on the front line every day for our people.”

HB 300 was approved by House and Senate conferees on Tuesday evening. The bill is expected to pass floor votes in both chambers before it goes to the governor’s desk for final approval.

“We continue to work together for much-needed improvements for Kona Community Hospital, and to improve health care services in West Hawaii in general,” Lowen said. “Mahalo to the Finance and Ways and Means Committees for recognizing the urgency of this funding.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.