Marc and Lynne Benioff, long-standing philanthropists in the state of Hawai’i, have pledged $25 million to build a health center in Kea‘au to improve access to medical services in the underserved Puna District.
Why it’s important: The clinic will address the critical need for increased healthcare access in the Puna District, which sits on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawai’i. The region currently has limited access to healthcare services.
Driving the news: According to West Hawaii Today:
- Plans include construction of a single-story, 36,000-square-foot medical office building complex consisting of a clinical wing and a behavioral health wing.
- The proposed facility would provide urgent care services seven days per week. Primary care services, specialty clinic services such as cardiology, imaging services including X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds, laboratory services, plus behavioral health and counseling services would be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
- Planners say the facility will serve more than 100 patients daily.
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., aims to work to secure a matching donation and said:
- “I am grateful for the generosity of the Benioff ‘ohana and the foresight and planning of Dan Brinkman and his team. Our administration is committed to finding a substantial portion of the funding to make this project happen to provide more health care access on Hawaii Island. We will work closely with the Legislature to be sure to meet everyone’s needs.”
Jennifer Zelko-Schlueter, who chairs the East Hawaii Regional Board, said:
- “Our people in the Puna and Ka‘u districts have some of the state’s greatest health care needs. We are honored to put our full support toward the building of the Kea‘au Benioff Health Center.”
The big picture: Marc and Lynne Benioff have demonstrated a longtime commitment to philanthropy in Hawai’i. To date, the Benioffs have donated over $250 million to various organizations in the state of Hawai’i and continue to remain an active part of the community. The Benioffs previously donated $50 million to help fund expansion and improvements at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
Go deeper:
- Watch a video about the project
- Learn more about Marc and Lynne Benioff’s philanthropy in Hawai’i
- Hear from Marc Benioff about the importance of his philanthropic efforts in Hawai’i
- Learn more about Salesforce’s Annual Giving Back initiatives
- Learn more about Salesforce’s Ohana and Hawaiian Culture to embrace communities
- Read the news article about how Benioff’s land donation aides Hawaii’s affordable housing
