GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $1 MILLION FOR RENOVATIONS TO HALE MAKUA ON MAUI

For Immediate Release: December 22, 2005 

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $1,000,000 for renovations and improvements for the Hale Makua long-term care facility in Wailuku.

Specifically, the funds will be used to upgrade resident bathrooms and replace flooring and furniture in 33 resident rooms in the Wailuku facility to comply with accessibility standards, and to re-roof the facility. 

“It is important to invest in the maintenance of facilities such as Hale Makua to ensure quality long-term care for our rapidly growing senior citizen population,” said Governor Lingle. 

Hale Makua, meaning Home of Respected Elders, is a private non-profit organization that provides nursing care for elders and others who are unable to care for themselves.  Approximately 85 percent of Hale Makua’s clientele are Medicaid or public welfare recipients. 

“Hale Makua appreciates the State of Hawai`i’s ongoing support of Maui’s frail and elderly community,” said Cathy Meyer-Uyehara, administrator of Hale Makua’s Wailuku facility.  “Since we are a non-profit, the state’s support in funding big projects to meet federal mandates such as this is absolutely vital to our success.”

Established in 1946 by the Maui community, Hale Makua is now the largest long-term care provider on Maui.  It has grown from a 24-bed residential home to 362 beds in two facilities – Kahului and Wailuku. 

The facility’s multitude of services include long-term nursing care, both skilled and intermediate care, in- and outpatient rehabilitation, home health, senior day health, adult foster family care, respite care, and consultation on elder care, service options and financing strategies. 

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For more information, contact:
Cathy Meyer-Uyehara      
Administrator, Hale Makua Wailuku facility   
Phone: (808) 243-1700

Lenny Klompus 
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708  

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations  
Phone: (808) 586-0043