HONOLULU (May 14, 2026) — As federal funding uncertainty continues to impact health care providers nationwide, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has approved a $450,000 grant-in-aid to Navian Hawaii. The funds will be used to renovate the nonprofit organization’s Kailua Home, helping expand access to hospice care and potentially increase Medicare funding for the state.

The funding was included in the state’s supplemental budget bill finalized April 30, which outlines operating and capital improvement priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The measure comes amid broader federal budget concerns, including proposed cuts to Medicaid under H.R. 1.

The state grant will help fund improvements to Navian Hawaii Kailua Hospice Home, a five-bed hospice facility that serves approximately 100 terminally ill patients each year, many of whom are low-income. Planned upgrades will allow the facility to qualify for a higher level of Medicare reimbursement, unlocking an estimated $1 million annually in federal funding.

“For many families in our district, this home provides comfort, dignity and care at the most difficult time in their lives,” said state Rep. Mike Lee. “This funding helps ensure that care remains accessible while strengthening the resources needed to serve our kūpuna and those who need it most.”

“Many patients prefer community-based hospice facilities, especially near their loved ones,” said Representative Lisa Marten, whose district includes Kailua. “Navian brings that option to the Windward side with a broad scope of quality care for our residents who require residential hospice care.”

“This project is about both compassion and sustainability,” said Dan Haire, president and CEO of Navian Hawaii. “With this support, we can enhance the level of care we provide while securing critical Medicare funding that helps sustain hospice services for our community long-term.”

Representative Mike Lee represents House District 50, which includes Kailua and portions of Kāneʻohe Bay. Representative Lisa Marten represents House District 51, which includes Waimānalo, Keolu Hills, Lanikai and portions of Kailua.

About Navian Hawaii

Originally established in 1979 as Hospice Hawaii, Navian Hawaii works to provide care for every life journey for patients of all ages. The nonprofit organization offers Palliative Care for those with serious but treatable illnesses, and Hospice Care for those near their journey’s end.

In line with its mission to bring hope, reduce fears and impact lives, Navian Hawaii is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers who meet the physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and families in the comfort of their own home or any location they call home, including the Navian Hawaii Kailua Hospice Home.

For more information, visit NavianHawaii.org.