HONOLULU — Almost a year since it was deployed to Lahaina to assist survivors of the Maui wildfires, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s mobile health vehicle Keewemauliola is back on Oahu.

What You Need To Know

  • Based at Kaiser’s Moanalua Medical Center, the 40-foot vehicle will resume providing mobile medical services at various locations across the island
  • Another mobile health vehicle from the mainland remains stationed at Kaiser’s Lahaina Clinic
  • The vehicle is equipped with medical equipment, two full-size exam rooms, a prep area for testing and medications and a physician documentation station
  • It was sent to Lahaina during a mass statewide deployment of resources in the immediate aftermath of massive wildfires that killed at least 102 people and destroyed 2,200 structures

Based at Kaiser’s Moanalua Medical Center, the 40-foot vehicle will resume providing mobile medical services at various locations across the island, including the Key Project in Kaneohe, Dillingham Plaza, Ohana Kakoo in Waianae, Waialua Community Association in Haleiwa, and the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.

Another mobile health vehicle from the mainland remains stationed at Kaiser’s Lahaina Clinic.

“Taking health care on the road, especially in underserved areas, will allow us to reach more people and help reduce health disparities across the island,” said Ed Chan, Hawaii market president for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals. “Our hope is that people who may not have been able to see their doctor before due to lack of transportation or other barriers will now have a convenient way to get the care they need.”

The vehicle is staffed with Kaiser personnel and physicians and serves as a primary care extension for members seeking vaccinations, education and counseling on preventing and managing ongoing conditions, and other health care services. It operates from Monday through Thursday at designated sites.

The vehicle also travels to community events, where staff provide free health screenings that include blood pressure, glucose and body mass index assessments.

The vehicle, which is equipped with medical equipment, two full-size exam rooms, a prep area for testing and medications and a physician documentation station, was sent to Lahaina during a mass statewide deployment of resources in the immediate aftermath of massive wildfires that killed at least 102 people and destroyed 2,200 structures.

“Mobile health programs have been shown to increase participation in recommended screenings and improve the management of chronic diseases, especially for those who have a hard time getting to a doctor’s office,” said John Yang, president and medical director of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group.

Kaiser Permanente members can book an appointment by calling 1-833-833-3333 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.