hunterbishop.com

Folks in rural Oahu are upset and rightfully  so over the proposed closing of Kahuku Hospital. Though it appears the action my be postponed as officials scramble to find funds to keep it open,  comments in the story illuminate the untold deficiencies of health care throughout the state, especially here in Puna Makai.

If the 25-bed Kahuku Hospital were to close, the nearest emergency room for the North Shore would be at Castle Medical Center, 32 miles away, or at Wahiawa General, 22 miles from Kahuku.

"We would be up a creek without it (Kahuku Hospital)," said Patrick Macy, a member of the neighborhood board who lives in Laie. "When it gets serious, they have to go to a hospital, and Kahuku is our only place."

As I sit here typing this morning, I am more than 32 miles (34, actually, by my estimation) from Hilo Medical Center , the only emergency medical facility serving Puna. Many others in Puna live even farther away.

So it's good thing I'm feeling OK this morning, I guess. I'm leaving now for the Pahoa Christmas Parade at 10. Then if I still don't need the emergency room, I'll be at the Keaau parade at 5. Hope to see you there.