New Akaka clinic already making a difference

On April 8, Pacific Islands VA opened the doors of the new Daniel Akaka VA Clinic in Kapolei. Completed on budget and on time, the $130 million, 88,675 square-foot outpatient clinic will provide primary and mental health care, x-ray, laboratory and diagnostic services, a pharmacy and specialty care for Veterans on Oahu and Veterans throughout the Pacific Islands who come here for care.

For the estimated 15,000 Veterans living on the west side of Oahu, the new clinic means much easier access to VA care.

“The most important thing I want to say is that today isn’t about me or my dad,” Elroy Akaka said. “This is about all the folks who signed on the dotted line and served their country. They deserve to have an amazing place like this to come for their health care.”

Pictured above are Veterans Alvin and Elroy Akana before a picture of Senator Daniel Akaka. The new VA clinic on the leeward side of Oahu is named after the Senator.

528 parking spots, 43 reserved for disabled Veterans

Army and Air Force Veteran Elroy Akana was at the new clinic on its first day for a doctor’s appointment with Dr. Ricardo-Dukelow. He was accompanied by his parents, Army Veteran Alvin and Sharon. Elroy and Alvin both expressed gratitude for the new clinic. It’s much easier for them to get to than the clinic in Honolulu.

The Akanas said that they were excited to find parking so easily. The new clinic boasts 528 parking spots, 43 of which are reserved for disabled Veterans and 19 of which can charge electric vehicles. There is also a valet service planned for the future, courtesy shuttles that will pick up from nearby housing areas and the Veteran Transportation Service, which will pick up eligible Veterans from their homes and bring them to their appointments at the new clinic.

“I love all the sitting areas outside,” Sharon said. “People used to socialize outside the clinic at Tripler, but there wasn’t much space to sit and visit. This clinic feels more inviting and there will be more spaces for Veterans to sit and talk story.”

“If you served, you earned it.”

The family hopes that easier access and increased opportunities for Veterans to socialize will help with Veterans’ mental health in addition to their physical health. VA offers a variety of therapies that help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There are also Chaplain Services and Whole Health programs that help address difficulties Veterans face when re-entering society after military service.

“One thing I want to say to any Veterans out there who haven’t connected with VA services yet is that they need to come down here and talk to someone,” said Alvin. “VA is for all Veterans. If you served, you earned it. And there’s some great programs and services that have really helped my family.”