Hawaii Medical Service Association

Founded in 1938, Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, nonprofit health insurance company headquartered in Honolulu, with several branch locations on neighbor islands. HMSA selected Ferraro Choi to develop its newest branch office in Keaau Village on Hawaii Island. The facility includes a Customer Service Call Center, Customer Service Walk-in Retail space, and related support space.

The 2-story, 20,000-square-foot project is situated on a parcel fronting the Old Volcano Road which joins with other parcels being developed by W.H. Shipman, Ltd. Parking is shared between the two developments.

In keeping with the Keaau vernacular, the new building recalls plantation-style architecture by the use of a single pitch corrugated metal hip roof, shiplap siding, tall multi-paned double-hung windows, and a central inset that forms the main entry beneath a covered second-floor lanai. The lobby includes an elegant grand stair to provide convenient access to and from the second floor. Locally milled Ohia hardwood is featured on the grand stair, lobby flooring, and window trim.