CIP Grant Aids Palolo Home Plan

Palolo Chinese Home moved a step closer April 9 to finishing its proposed Progressive Care Complex with a $750,000 CIP grant from the state.

The infusion of capital improvement funds supports the $7.5 million Phase IV of the master plan for the complex, which features a one-story, 15,000-square-foot building with 69 skilled nursing beds, bringing the care home’s total occupancy to 130 beds. Attached to it is the old Victoria Ward Hall, which PCH plans to renovate, creating a therapeutic rehabilitation center and improving offices and meeting rooms.

PCH started pushing to expand its facilities because of the increased life expectancy for Hawaii residents amid a lack of affordable care or housing for elders. (Hawaii residents now live to an average age of 79, reportedly the longest in the nation.)

The building’s estimated completion is early 2016. PCH still welcomes donations to help cover the remainder of the project’s cost. For details, visit palolo-home.org or call 737-2555.

The care home was founded in 1897, and is located at 2459 10th Ave., at the back of Palolo Valley.