The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) has pledged $4 million to the Straub Benioff Medical Center Redevelopment project to build the health care campus of the future. As a longtime partner and supporter of Hawaii Pacific Health, this is HMSA’s largest gift to HPH and the first to Straub Benioff.
Phase one of the redevelopment project is well underway along Kealamakai Street between South Hotel and South King streets. Construction crews are currently working on the Parking Building that will more than triple the number of stalls of the existing Straub Benioff parking structure. The top of the new building will also feature a state-of-the-art meeting and conference center, which will be named in recognition of HMSA.
“Hawaii Pacific Health and HMSA share a common goal to create healthier communities by providing high-quality medical care for Hawaii residents and improving the social, economic and environmental factors in our state that affect an individual’s health,” said Ray Vara, Hawaii Pacific Health president & CEO. “We are very grateful for HMSA’s generous gift in support of the Straub Benioff Redevelopment project and excited to name our new conference center, which will be used for community health and wellness events, in recognition of HMSA’s support. Preventive care and health education are pivotal to improving community well-being and we’re truly thankful for HMSA’s partnership in this effort.”
"The conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age have a huge impact on health," said HMSA President and CEO Mark M. Mugiishi, MD, FACS. "That's why we're excited to partner with Hawaii Pacific Health. Together, we're committed to improving these social determinants of health. Building a facility that connects the community and provides quality healthcare is ideal. HMSA is proud to support this effort, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on healthcare in Hawaii."
The Parking Building, like the rest of the new 700,000 square-foot campus, was designed for patients, employees and the community. The conference center will be a hub for Straub Benioff and HPH teams to collaborate on patient care. The space will also be used to educate students, medical staff and the community to promote health and well-being. In addition to the conference center, the rooftop will have a garden and employee fitness center.
The next phase of construction will include demolishing the existing Straub Benioff parking structure and building the multistory Medical Tower. It will feature an expanded Emergency Department, larger patient and operating rooms as well as innovative, flexible spaces to care for the community for years to come. The final two phases of the redevelopment project include renovating the existing medical center and redesigning the porte cochere along South King Street.
To learn more about the project, visit FutureForwardStraub.org.
Photo: (from left) Travis Clegg, Straub Benioff Medical Center Chief Operating Officer; Art Gladstone, Hawaii Pacific Health Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer; Jennifer A. Diesman, HMSA Senior Vice President, Government Policy and Advocacy; Mark M. Mugiishi, MD, FACS, HMSA President and CEO; Ray Vara, Hawaii Pacific Health President & CEO; Dawn Dunbar, Hawaii Pacific Health Senior Vice President of Philanthropy; and Elliot K. Mills, HMSA Board Director.