Work Starts On Major Koolau Clinic Facelift

Starting today, Windward Oahu Kaiser members will be heading into town or to the Kailua clinic for care over the next few months as renovation activity gets serious at the HMO’s clinic in Kaneohe.

Kaiser Permanente has alerted regular Koolau Clinic patients of the closure, set for March 6 through October, and referred them to physicians at its Honolulu Clinic on Pensacola Street. Other Koolau Clinic doctors will see patients at the Kailua facility on Hamakua Drive. Staff also will be dispersed across the island.

“This beautiful new facility will make it easier for our members to access quality health care all under one roof,” said KP Hawaii president Janet Liang. “It positions us well for future growth and demonstrates our long-term commitment to our members and the communities we serve.” The Kaneohe site served about 37,000 patients last year.

The state’s largest health maintenance organization broke ground in November on the $15 million job, which will add 6,000 square feet to the building, including two new exam rooms and a larger pharmacy counter. The clinic is located on Kamehameha Highway, next to VCA Kaneohe Animal Hospital. Other upgrades will bring in more light, open spaces and add energy efficiency.