Ewa Facility Will Treat Ailing Youths

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The Ewa Beach Kulana Malama medical facility is the first of its kind in the Pacific Basin and the first in Hawaii.

The facility will open its doors officially on March 15 with the mission to provide care for medically fragile children, from just a few months old up to 21 years of age.

“We’ll admit residents for any number of reasons; some will come because they have medical conditions, and families don’t have the skills to care for them, or some will come because (their illness) is too complex to go home,” said Paul Bursey, nursing director at Kulana Malama.

The $20 million facility is built on 7 acres in Ewa Beach, behind a residential area on Karayan Street. It has a 30-bed capacity and is “very kid-friendly,” as Bursey explained.

The decor in one area is an enchanted forest theme, with a giant beanstalk stretching from the floor to the ceiling, a castle and clouds. There are seven primary care rooms that are story-book-themed. Themes include the wood cutter, the pigs’ house from the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood and others.

A full-service rehabilitation therapy gym and an aqua therapy tank are also on site.

An activities coordinator has been hired to conduct individual growth and development activities with the children, Bursey said.

Short term transitional care programs can be set up for children who don’t need to stay permanently.

Other children will be admitted as long-term residents.

The grand opening event March 15 is open, by invitation only, to community representatives, members of the state Legislature and project staff. However, Bursey said, after that date, anyone interested in learning more about the facility is welcome to inquire.

As phone lines are not yet set up at Kulana Malama, Bursey said to call the KM corporate offices located at the Pearl City Nursing Home, 453-1919.