Hawaii Eyes $15M Volcano Health Clinic

A feasibility study presented to Volcano residents outlines a proposed clinic on a lot partly sold by W.H. Shipman Ltd.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Healthcare

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Should taxpayers help fund a $15 million health clinic in Volcano?

Hawaii Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaii Region presented a feasibility study for a $15 million health clinic in Volcano. The project would be built on part of a 13.7-acre lot along Volcano Road owned by W.H. Shipman Ltd., which has expressed intent to sell about a third of the property to HHSC.

Why it matters

The rural community currently has no local medical facilities, forcing residents to travel to other towns for care. The proposed clinic would offer primary care, urgent care and pharmacy services to address that gap.

The estimated $15 million project would occupy about four of the 13.7 acres, with a 10,000-square-foot building and a 44-stall parking lot. Questions about water access and traffic impacts were raised at the meeting, and no resolution on those concerns was reported.

The players

Hawaii Health Systems Corp.

A state-run public health system operating hospitals and clinics across Hawaii, whose East Hawaii Region is exploring the Volcano clinic project at the Legislature's request.

W.H. Shipman Ltd.

A Hawaii-based landholding company that owns the 13.7-acre Volcano lot and has expressed intent to sell a third of it to HHSC.

The details

The feasibility study, prepared by Flemming and Associates, describes a one-story clinic with a rust-red roof and wooden support beams. Results were shared with over 80 attendees, who raised concerns about water and traffic.

Earlier in 2026: Feasibility study initiated.
November 6, 2026: Feasibility study results presented at public meeting.
Around 2030: Clinic projected to open, with design, permitting and funding taking almost two years and construction about 18 months.

Market Landscape

The Volcano proposal follows the Hawaii Legislature's request that HHSC's East Hawaii Region study the project, turning that directive into a specific site and cost estimate. It positions the state-run system to fill a local care gap by partnering with a private landowner on a land sale.

Residents in Volcano currently must travel to other towns for medical care, and a local clinic would offer primary care, urgent care and pharmacy services if completed. The project remains years away, with design, permitting and funding expected to take almost two years before roughly 18 months of construction.

The takeaway

Volcano residents may see a local medical option by around 2030 if funding and permitting proceed as projected. Water access and traffic questions raised at the public meeting will need answers before construction moves forward.