As substance abuse continues to plague vulnerable populations, Hawaii Island’s first nonprofit detoxification clinic will open for clients this Thursday.
In December 2023, Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, chief executive officer of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, announced that a $1.2 million grant from Hawaii County would give BISAC the boost it needed to open the long-awaited Hulihia Ke Ola Detox Clinic in Hilo.
BISAC, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is one of Hawaii’s leading providers of substance abuse treatment and behavioral health care services.
“The idea of a detox clinic has been discussed at BISAC for close to 10 years, but it wasn’t until about a year ago that we decided to go forward with this,” Preston-Pita said. “It is sorely needed and will be the first one in the county and now one of the very few in the state of Hawaii.”
The clinic, located at 41 Hoku St., will serve up to eight men at a time, 24 hours a day, for seven days. Initially, beds are only available for men, because there are not private rooms available for women at this time.
Detox treatments at Hulihia Ke Ola will be funded through the state State Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, according to Preston-Pita.
Longtime substance abuse and addiction treatment counselor Lahela Rachel Kruse will serve as the clinical director, utilizing her 25 years of experience in the field and as a cultural practitioner.
“When Dr. Hannah came to me with this opportunity, I was on the fence, since I usually have worked in cultural treatment programs at smaller agencies, but I saw that this will meet a huge need we have here,” Kruse said. “I have seen the problem go around in a circle with no accessibility to services, and I’m grateful I can be part of this that will serve the people, which is my passion.”
As a social detox clinic, Hulihia Ke Ola will be focused on managing people who are detoxing from drugs — such as alcohol, methamphetamine and heroin — after they have already visited an emergency room, urgent care or a primary care physician.
“With social detox, people come here with their prescriptions, and we help them manage it,” Kruse said. “We will be working with doctors who can refer patients to us as their next step after stabilization. We will then plan out the next steps of treatment in the continuum of care.”
Hulihia Ke Ola will be the first social detox clinic in the state to offer lomi lomi massage and acupuncture as a way to help treat clients during their week in care.
“Lomi lomi can be used to draw out excess toxins, and it can sometimes take someone to another spiritual level. The practitioner can get more information from that spiritual side, which is useful for us,” Kruse said. “Acupuncture helps with the cravings that set in. Through a Native Hawaiian lens, (clients) are reclaiming the host.”
Along with doctor referrals, clients also can self-refer to the clinic or be referred through family or friends.
“Detox is the first step in the continuum of care. Our work can help motivate clients to go into our treatment centers, or to other places that may have beds available,” Kruse said. “While in treatment centers, they can come to us for day treatment, and we will help them set all of that up. We will stay connected and continue to follow-up.”
Kruse said the clinic also can assist families of detox clients after their inpatient treatment ends.
“It’s a lot of work, and many families are at their wit’s end. If they are able to provide that care and treatment, we will follow along with them,” Kruse said. “We will be looking at every avenue, but will not be putting them back on the street or in a bad situation.”
Potential clients cannot be dropped off at Hulihia Ke Ola on a whim. Some people might not be an appropriate fit for the clinic, and those who are need a plan in place before being admitted.
“Everyone has a different story, and needs can vary depending on their mental and physical health,” Kruse said. “Some will be coming to us from the street, and fear is a common feeling when entering a place like this. One thing I’m telling all the staff is to approach everyone with a welcoming spirit and respect.”
Clients will have access to a case manager, a substance abuse and mental health counselor, cultural practitioners certified in lomi lomi or acupuncture, and registered nurses.
“We are doing this slowly, step by step, so we can build up our programs that will justify future expansions,” Preston-Pita said. “As the first detox clinic, we are nervous with many eyes on us, but we have gotten feedback from the community, and I think everyone is on board and supportive of what we’re doing.”
Preston-Pita noted the clinic is located at the site of the old Matayoshi Hospital.
“There is historical context to it that’s all about healing and bringing care to our community,” she said. “It’s also in a central location, so there may be more exposure to people who may be willing to get help sometime.”
According to Kruse, she called kumu hula Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele and asked her to name the clinic. “Hulihia” refers to Pele shaking things up and turning them over, and “Ke Ola” means life.
“There is a depth to the name meaning, the change in life, and it’s perfect for this place and program,” Kruse said. “This is so exciting for all of us as a whole, as a team.”
“It’s a beautiful way to start the year,” Kruse said.
For more information about the clinic, potential clients can call (808) 969-9994 or fill out a referral form at bisac.org/contact.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.