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Construction Update

Work related to the replacement of four main air handling units (AHUs) at Straub Benioff Medical Center will affect patients, visitors, staff, and traffic from Saturday, Sept. 19, through Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

Below is a timeline of what to expect, a map with driving detours, and more about this project.

Please allow for additional travel time. 

Air Ventilation Equipment Replacement Project Timeline and Impact

Saturday, Sept. 19

  • Beginning at 4 p.m. contractors will deliver and stage materials for the project in the Emergency Department (ED) visitor stalls.
  • ED visitor stalls will be closed until 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.
    • All nonemergency vehicles needing to access the ED, medical center, and clinics will be directed to the Straub Benioff main entrance on South King Street.
    • Staff will be available to assist with detours (see map).
  • Ambulance access to the ED ambulance bays on South Hotel Street will not be affected.

Sunday, Sept. 20

  • South Hotel Street will be closed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Ward Avenue to the existing Straub Benioff Parking Building near Hale Makai Street to allow contractors to use a crane to hoist materials onto the hospital roof.
  • At 7 a.m., the crane will be positioned on-site near the ambulance bays, and crews will begin hoisting materials to the sixth-floor roof.
  • Ambulance access to the ED ambulance bays will not be affected.
  • The ED will remain open, but access to South Hotel Street will be limited to emergency vehicles only.
  • Access to the ED and medical center through the South Hotel Street entrance will be affected during this crane activity.
    • All nonemergency vehicles needing to access the ED, medical center, and clinics will be directed to the Straub Benioff main entrance on South King Street.
    • Staff will be available to assist with detours (see map below).
  • The South Hotel Street parking entrance to the First Insurance Center (FIC) building will be closed.
    • Vehicles should use the entrance on South Beretania Street to access parking at FIC.

Thursday, Sept. 24

  • Concrete drilling on the roof above the sixth floor of the main hospital will take place from 9:30 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m.
    • Patients, visitors, and staff may notice increased noise during this time.
    • Patients may request earplugs from their care team or use their in-room KUMU device to listen to music or white noise.

Monday, Sept. 28-Friday, Oct. 2

  • Concrete demolition on the roof above the sixth floor of the main hospital will take place daily from 9:30 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m.
    • Patients, visitors, and staff may notice increased noise during this time.
    • Patients may request earplugs from their care team or use their in-room KUMU device to listen to music or white noise.

Detour Route Map Sept. 19-20, 2026

Map showing alternate routes into Straub Benioff Medical Center during construction Sept. 19-20, 2026.

About the Project

This ongoing project will improve the AHU units that support the basement, first floor, and third through sixth patient floors of the main hospital. Once completed, these enhancements will provide better air circulation and a more comfortable environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

The AHU project is expected to continue through February 2027 and will be completed in phases. Additional project updates, including any impacts to patients, visitors, staff, traffic, or facility operations, will be communicated in advance as work is scheduled.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete these important upgrades to our facility. We appreciate your cooperation and support throughout the project.