Kona Hospital Foundation Receives $40,000 in grants from American Savings Bank and Hawaii Electric Light Company

Kona Hospital Foundation recently received a double grant totaling $40,000 from American Savings Bank (ASB) and Hawaiian Electric Company. The grants were targeted to fund the purchase of two baby warmers to enhance newborn care at Kona Community Hospital (KCH).

On May 28, representatives from Hawaii Electric Light Company presented Kona Hospital Foundation board members with a $20,000 grant for the funding of a second baby warmer. “The Kona Community Hospital is a cornerstone of the West Hawaii community,” said Jay Ignacio, president of Hawaii Electric Light Company. “These high-quality warmers will enable hospital staff to provide exceptional healthcare in a comfortable, developmentally supportive environment for our newest keiki.”

Members of Kona Community Hospital administration also attended the May presentation. Sally Robertson, Director of Women’s Services at KCH demonstrated one of the baby warmers, which are used for each newborn delivery. “The baby warmers allow us to optimize perinatal care for our precious newborns,” she said as she pointed out numerous features intended to provide easier assessment and examination and a higher level of care.

At the June 22 grand opening of the new American Savings Bank Kailua-Kona branch, CEO and President, Rich Wacker presented a $20,000 grant to members of the Kona Hospital Foundation board of trustees. Referring to their familiar kalo leaf logo, Wacker noted that American Savings Bank is rooted in community and family. “That commitment makes the gift of a baby warmer a valuable investment in our community,” said Wacker.

“American Savings Bank and Hawaii Electric Light Company share common values which promote commitment to community and family. Their generous grants, which provided funds for baby warmers, reflect those values,” said Jim Higgins, Kona Hospital Foundation chairman. “We’re very appreciative of the support and commitment of these dedicated corporate sponsors.”

The Kona Hospital Foundation – a nonprofit corporation, was created in 1984 to accept gifts and solicit donations for new medical technology, expanded services and enhanced facilities for Kona Community Hospital. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over five million dollars towards numerous hospital projects believing that the people of West Hawaii, both visitors and residents, deserve local access to a progressive hospital providing excellent healthcare.

American Savings Bank – Serving Hawaii’s businesses and communities for more than 85 years, provides a full range of financial products and services, including commercial banking, consumer banking, insurance and investments. For more information, visit www.asbhawaii.com

Hawaii Electric Light Company – From its beginnings with a single hydroelectric generator in 1894, has a tradition of utilizing the renewable energy resources of Hawaii Island for the benefit of its community. We have grown to become a world leader in the integration of renewable energy and are committed to providing a secure, clean energy future for Hawaii. For more information, visit www.hawaiielectriclight.com.