Right now, Big Island residents experiencing severe trauma must be airlifted to Oahu for life-saving treatment. This process takes 3-4 hours, and every 30-minute delay in care reduces survival chances by 20-25%. A Level I Trauma Center would provide immediate, critical care right here on Big Island, saving lives and keeping families together during emergencies.

Yes, Queen’s Health Systems is planning an 80-bed hospital in Kona, but it will not include a Level I Trauma Center. Instead, it will stabilize patients for air transport to Oahu, continuing the same delays that have cost lives for years. This is a band-aid solution—not the comprehensive trauma care Big Island needs.

Level I Trauma Center

The highest level of trauma care, offering 24/7 access to surgeons, specialists, advanced imaging, and research programs. Oahu has Hawaii’s only Level I Trauma Center.

Level II Trauma Center

Similar to Level I but without research programs and some specialized services. Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu has a Level II trauma center that is open to military-affiliated individuals only.

Level III Trauma Center

Provides emergency care but must transfer severe trauma cases elsewhere. The existing Kona Community Hospital is a Level III trauma center, meaning it cannot provide advanced, life-saving trauma care on-site.

While airlifts are sometimes necessary, they take too long in life-threatening situations. The process—from diagnosis to transport—can take up to 4 hours. In trauma cases, every second counts. Many patients simply can’t afford to wait. Additionally, when a patient is airlifted to Oahu, they are separated from their family and loved ones during a crucial moment. This creates an extra emotional and financial burden on families and loved ones in what is an already difficult situation.

Rhonda was a beloved member of the Kona community—a wife, mother, and friend. She was tragically killed in a head-on collision caused by a reckless driver. Learn more about Rhonda here: https://www.rhondawouldgo.com/story.

Despite best efforts, the lack of a Level I Trauma Center on Big Island meant she did not receive the life-saving care she needed in time. Her story is not unique—many families have lost loved ones due to delays in trauma care.

Rhonda was a fighter who always went above and beyond for her ‘ohana and community. Since she can no longer fight for herself, we are fighting for her. By pushing for a Level I Trauma Center, we’re ensuring that no other family has to go through what Rhonda’s family did.

You can make a difference by:

• Signing the petition at https://www.rhondawouldgo.com/petition

• Sharing Rhonda’s story on social media using #RhondaWouldGo

• Contacting local lawmakers to demand trauma care improvements

• Attending community meetings to advocate for better healthcare infrastructure

You can sign the petition online here: https://www.rhondawouldgo.com/petition. Every signature helps us push for real change.

Healthcare infrastructure decisions involve state officials, hospital administrators, and policymakers. Governor Josh Green and Queen’s Health Systems have significant influence over whether trauma care is included in the new hospital. Public pressure can make a difference!

When reaching out to government officials, tell them:

• Big Island residents deserve immediate trauma care, not just a new hospital without a real solution.

• Every minute matters in a trauma situation. Airlifting patients to Oahu is not enough.

• The new hospital must include a Level I Trauma Center to truly save lives.

Follow us on Facebook and check RhondaWouldGo.com for the latest updates, events, and ways to get involved.

We want to hear from you. Sharing personal stories is one of the most powerful ways to create change. Contact us through RhondaWouldGo.com to share your experience or share your story when you sign the petition here: https://www.rhondawouldgo.com/petition

No! This issue affects residents, visitors, and anyone who cares about fair and timely healthcare access. If you love Hawaii, you should care about the safety of the people who live and visit here.