HISTORY OF KAUAI VETERANS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
KVMH provides a full service emergency department, general surgery and specialty surgery of ophthalmology, family and internal medicine services, an intensive care unit, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. KVMH also provides the ancillary services of physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, a clinical laboratory, and a full service department of radiology. The hospital is the first line of defense not only for the health of the Westside residents, but for routine care and emergencies arising from the nearby Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and Koke’e State Park.
Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital originated in 1938 as a sugar plantation dispensary, to meet the health care needs of plantation owners and employees. With the growth of the community the Territory of Hawaii recognized the need for a more substantial facility, and the Territorial Legislative Act 73 subsequently provided for the construction of the original portion of the present facility, opened to the public on February 25, 1957. Administration of the facility was granted to the island of Kauai. On July 1, 1965, all county medical facilities were transferred to the State of Hawaii for operation and all other functions.
A new surgical operating suite and clinical service addition were opened in 1978. In 1992, a new medical/surgical patient wing was added. 1996 saw the completion and occupancy of the attached Kawaiola Medical Office Building.
The district of Waimea is rural, with most land devoted to cattle ranching and what was once sugar cane but now are corn fields. The town of Waimea hosts a single resort with a few smaller inns and bed and breakfasts. The community continues to grow and boasts an active community / business development association, geared towards continual growth and community enhancement. Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital holds a crucial position in the current and future viability of the entire West side community.
