Leaders of the Molokai Community Health Center told the Maui County Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee that construction to expand clinic space and dental services is on track and asked the council for continued support.

James Rarick, president of the health center’s board of directors, said the project will double the facility’s space and that the construction phase is expected to be complete by June 30. “Once we complete this, we will have twice the space that we've had previously,” Rarick said, and added the expanded space has already allowed the center to hire an additional dentist and to plan for an additional dental hygienist.

Why it matters: Testimony noted recent loss of private dental practices on Molokai and growing demand for non-urgent dental care. Rarick told the committee the health center added about 500 new patients in 2024 and currently has a wait list for non-urgent dental care. He thanked the council for prior “significant financial support” and noted the center had been included in the budget again for $330,000.

The health center is planning a public grand opening for the new dental clinic on Aug. 9 and invited council members to attend, Rarick said.

Council follow-up: Committee members asked whether the previously budgeted $330,000 was sufficient for the dental expansion. Rarick said the $330,000 was adequate for the current phase but noted the center also operates medical and behavioral health services and may bring additional requests as needs are refined.

No formal action was taken at the hearing.