Historic Groundbreaking Attracts VIPs

The Molokai Dispatch
Wednesday, September 1, 2010

By Megan Stephenson

In what some have called the biggest project to happen on Molokai in a decade, the old Pau Hana Inn is shedding its identity and becoming the Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC), while keeping the ancient banyan tree, seaside views and sense of community activity.

Using gold-plated, hand-painted shovels, dignitaries and community members turned over the earth at the health center's new campus last week, marking its latest chapter.

The ceremony was teeming with leaders from the county and state: U.S. Sens. Dan Akaka and Daniel Inouye, Gov. Linda Lingle, state Sen. Kalani English and state Rep. Mele Carroll all gave remarks at last week's groundbreaking.

MCHC Executive Director Desiree Puhi said the groundbreaking was originally going to be a smaller event – "Molokai style, an ohana event" – with Inouye planning to speak.

"From there it grew to what it was," she said. "The support, everyone felt was needed [to be shared], and express their love for the health center."

Inouye, who is running for re-election in November, said the island's economic status haunts him.

"This is my homecoming," Inouye said. Puhi said Inouye was instrumental in helping the center receive its $117,000 in federal stimulus funds to buy the property.

The MCHC staff has strived to make the new health center more than a clinic – they envision a community watering hole with healing of all forms taking place.

"I came with Desiree a year and a half ago," English said in front of the 400-plus crowd. "She had a fresh view – sometimes all we see is what [something] was, but sometimes we have to let go and see what it can be."

Within the original buildings will be clinics for behavioral health, physical therapy, medical and dental offices, as well as a community hall for live music and healthy food.

"We want to keep the flavor or vibe of the old Pau Hana Inn," Puhi said.

The former hotel is currently being renovated – Puhi said she intends to keep the "footprint" of the existing buildings. Core services are planned to be moved in by the end of the year. Behavioral health and physical therapy has already begun at the center.

MCHC will be the only service on the island not run by a private health system or house private physicians – it's "by Molokai, for Molokai," said Medical Director Kawika Liu.

Liu joined the staff last month and said he liked the vision of the center and the opportunities it was giving.

"[This is a] health center that is really different and special for the people of Molokai," he added.

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