This isn’t just a petition—it’s the heartbreaking story of Rhonda DePontes Freedman, a Kona local who lost her life in a tragic accident. On July 14, 2022, Rhonda was hit by a drunk driver, but the trauma care she needed within that critical, golden-hour window wasn’t available. She was rushed to Kona Community Hospital, a Level III trauma center, but despite their efforts, the hospital’s limited resources couldn’t save her. Right now, Kona Community Hospital is barely holding onto its Level III trauma status because of limited resources—even after spending $18 million on upgrades for things like repairing their HVAC system and a pharmacy. And, while they’re already talking about relocating the hospital, our closest Level I trauma center is still over on the island of Oahu, only reachable by helicopter. The only other trauma facility, a Level II, is on Oahu too—but it’s only for people who hold military affiliation. It is both unfair and shameful that the best trauma care is on another island, while the people of the Big Island are left without critical, immediate care. Our community deserves better. Our kamaʻāina, nā kūpuna, keikis, ‘ohanas —our local people— need level I trauma care that prioritizes the lives and wellbeing of our people. The people of Hawaii and our visitors must be provided with essential, state-of-the-art, lifesaving Level I trauma care. It’s time to put the needs of our people, those who live on and care for this land, first. Rhonda’s story is a painful reminder of how badly we need a Level I trauma center in Kona, and hopefully, the spark for real change. It’s time we come together to push for a Level I trauma center right here on the Big Island—a place with the resources and capacity to keep our community safe and give us all some peace of mind. Let’s turn this heartbreak into action and make sure no one else has to go through what Rhonda did, and the painful reality her family faces every day. Sign the petition to demand a Level I Trauma Center in Kona and help save lives.