VIDEO: Hospice Maui Breaks Ground on New Hoʻoluʻolu Facility

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBRvgEO19Ls /] By Wendy Osher

Hospice Maui hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday morning for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility in Wailuku.  The building, once complete, will serve as a five-bed hospice residence.  The non-profit Hospice Maui organization provides physical comfort and spiritual support to individuals who are terminally ill, as well as support to their families through the death and grieving process.

“We here, as the Hospice Maui ʻohana, are grateful to be gathered on this momentous day to witness and celebrate the groundbreaking for Hospice Maui’s Hale Ho’olu’olu which means House of Compassion,” said Dr. Greg LaGoy, CEO and executive director of Hospice Maui during today’s ceremony.

In an event announcement he said, “After years of preparation and fundraising, we are breaking ground to build our Hospice Hale here on the top of our hill, with some of the most beautiful views on this island. We are deeply appreciative of the support we have gotten throughout this process, and look forward to the expanded service that this will allow us to provide.”

Dr. Donna McClearly, past president and current board member also commented saying, “As a member of Hospice Maui’s board of directors since 2003, I am proud to have worked with many others to have helped bring this very needed project to fruition. It has been a long process, but it provides a service that will positively affect the lives of many.”

Joining in the celebration were Dorvin and Betty Leis who represented the many individual donors who have helped to make the project possible.  Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa was also on hand, representing the public contributors, including the state of Hawaiʻi who gave a major grant, and the County of Maui who is the landowner and also provided a major grant for the project.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa speaks at the Hospice Maui’s groundbreaking ceremony for it’s Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. (5.21.2015) Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa (left) with Kimo Kapahulehua at the Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. (5.21.15) Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Maui Managing Director Keith Regan (left) and Kimo Kapahulehua at the Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

Hospice Maui groundbreaking for its Hale Ho’olu’olu facility. Photo credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros