Every Step is a Victory

Groundbreaking for new $73 million hospital

Guests and dignitaries take part in the ceremonies

Hawaii’s warm, balmy weather and music from the Pacific Fleet Ceremonial Band formed the perfect backdrop to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new $73 million, state-of-the-art medical center at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Honolulu on August 7.

The turning of the dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony was much more than a symbolic gesture to officially kick-off the construction of the new hospital; it was a tangible expression of the renewed commitment by the Shriners fraternity to continue to make orthopaedic care available at no charge to children in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific.

“We’re at a very important point in the history of our hospitals,” said Ralph Semb, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Today, we have come to turn ground, and we are also turning the page to a new chapter. Our theme for today is ‘Every Step is a Victory’ because each day we are getting one step closer to seeing the fruition of our hard work. We will be well positioned to provide quality orthopaedic care to children at no charge for years to come.”

The new hospital, which will be about 40 percent larger than the current facility, is targeted for completion in June 2010. The design of the new hospital reflects new medical technology available today.

Sen. Daniel Inouye

“New treatment methods were a major consideration in the design of our new hospital. We’re decreasing our inpatient beds from 40 to 24, but dramatically increasing the size of our outpatient area and adding more parking to accommodate same-day surgeries on an outpatient basis,” said Semb.

“Although we’re moving forward with the construction of the new hospital, the capital campaign is still underway. “We’re pledging up to $59 million and looking forward to the ongoing support from the community to raise the remaining $14 million, ” said Gene Bracewell, treasurer for the Shriners of North America.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and Gov. Linda Lingle, who are serving as honorary co-chairs of the capital campaign committee, each praised Shriners Hospitals for their great work. Sen. Inouye, who was a Shriners Hospital patient more than 70 years ago, said it was “pay back” time for him, and vowed that every dollar would be raised to cover the costs of the new hospital.