State officials expect the Hawaiʻi State Hospital to finally open its new psychiatric facility in about two weeks after more than a year of delays. The $160 million facility in Kāneʻohe was finished in early 2021.
This edition of "5 Things We're Watching" features details on health policy on the move and the latest budget conversations taking place in the capitol.
Throughout the pandemic the need for mental health treatment has grown significantly. But a new psychiatric facility for the most severe cases has sat empty for more than a year.
Previous legislation mandated the transition of the Oahu regional health care system to the Department of Health to be completed by the end of this year, but the estimated $10.3 million price tag is prompting stakeholders to consider other options before making a final decision.