A pressing call for action echoed through the recent Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee meeting, as community leaders underscored the urgent need for a new West Maui Hospital. A dedicated resident and volunteer board member of the West Maui Hospital Foundation passionately highlighted the critical situation facing local residents who currently depend on a single highway for access to medical care.

The speaker shared harrowing accounts of emergencies exacerbated by the lengthy travel time to the nearest hospital, which can take 45 minutes to an hour. This delay has had dire consequences, with lives lost due to the inability to reach medical assistance in time. One poignant story recounted a friend who gave birth in an ambulance on the roadside, highlighting the severe risks posed by the current healthcare access situation.

The discussion emphasized that the construction of a new hospital is not just a matter of convenience but a vital necessity for the safety and well-being of West Maui residents. As the committee deliberates on budget allocations for the upcoming years, the urgency of this project remains at the forefront, with hopes that swift action will be taken to address this critical healthcare gap. The community's call for a new hospital reflects a broader commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring that no family has to face the heartbreak of preventable tragedies.