Second Maui Hospital Deserves Careful Consideration, Fair Debate
VIEWPOINT by Hawaii State Senator Shan S. Tsutsui
The question of a second hospital on Maui has stirred a great deal of controversy, and while the debate has been contentious at times, I find myself satisfied that the community has committed itself to addressing this vital issue.
Yet, we must remind ourselves that in addressing issues of such importance to our island, the conversation must remain thorough, fair and respectful of all positions. If nothing else, fairness requires that we respect the opinions of all who have taken a position, and that includes accurately reporting what has been said.
Unfortunately, my own position has been mischaracterized (Editorial, Jan. 17). To set the record straight, I am in support of a second hospital. The decision of where and when it should be built should be decided by the people in these communities.
West Maui has expressed interest in a second hospital and I think that the interest of all Maui communities should be addressed in the discussions.
The current controversy, of course, swirls around the question of whether the proposed Malulani hospital should receive approval to be built in Kihei. On the one hand, the answer appears beyond debate. If Malulani can provide added health care services as proposed, without state financial support, it should receive the full blessing of the entire community. Who in their right mind would argue against additional health care services?
However, we cannot ignore the large number of “ifs” in that statement, both express and implied. If Malulani can and will provide the promised services to the community as a whole, whether or not patients can pay for services. If Malulani’s operations do not result in a reduction in services offered at Maui Memorial Medical Center and thereby unfairly impact residents of other parts of the island and the county. If approving Malulani does not foreclose the construction of additional health centers on Maui that will better serve rural communities and the diverse needs of our island community.
As state senator and an elected official, I have a duty to represent all residents in Hawaii, and I have an equally important responsibility to represent my district and constituents.
Dr. Ron Kwon has proposed a number of times to convert Maui Memorial into a long-term care facility, allowing Malulani to become the island’s sole acute care facility. The effect of this change would be to move our major acute care hospital from the central part of Maui to a more remote location in South Maui.
It is not in the best interests of my district constituents or of our island’s residents to lose a hospital in Central Maui. Yes, I support a second hospital, but not at the expense of an existing facility that provides vital services to a large segment of Maui’s population.
It should be apparent that any consideration of a second hospital on Maui – whether Malulani or another facility – encompasses a wide range of issues, including future needs, impacts on communities across the county and the balance of government regulation with community desires. All of these questions deserve a full discussion and fair debate.
Rhetorical extremism and emotional brinksmanship do little to further the conversation. Misinforming the public on an opponent’s positions cheapens the interplay of ideas that should form the foundation of our decision-making.
I was pleased to hear that discussions had been arranged last Thursday between representatives of Maui Memorial Medical Center and the developers of the proposed Malulani. I am hoping that negotiations will continue between the two groups (The Maui News, Feb. 2). I am hoping that negotiations will continue between the two groups.
I am calling on all of us who are taking the lead in this debate, on all sides of the issue, to recommit ourselves to a frank, mature and productive discussion of our community’s needs. Our island and our future deserve nothing less.
Shan S. Tsutsui is the state senator representing District 4 (Kahakuloa, Wailuku, Waikapu, Kahului and lower Paia).