Kaiser Permanente releases Maui pharmacy closure details ahead of Monday strike : Maui Now

A potential open-ended strike by unionized healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi is set to begin Monday, January 26th. While all medical facilities are expected to remain open, patients, particularly on Maui, should anticipate disruptions, especially to pharmacy services.

Impact on Maui County

Kaiser Permanente has announced operational plans specifically for Maui County in anticipation of the strike. The provider states that Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula Hospital will not be affected, as they are operated by Maui Health and staffed by workers under separate union contracts.

Pharmacy Disruptions

Pharmacy services are where Maui County patients are most likely to experience issues. Some Kaiser Permanente pharmacy locations – including those in Kīhei, Lahaina, and Wailuku – may be closed or operating with reduced hours. The Maui Lani Medical Office pharmacy will remain open, with hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Did You Know? A previous strike of limited duration occurred in October 2025, foreshadowing the current labor dispute.

To address potential pharmacy access issues, Kaiser Permanente has activated a pharmacy care team. Members can reach this team at 808-643-7979, option 3, for assistance with new and urgent prescriptions. Greeters will also be present at pharmacy locations to support patients.

Strike Details and Negotiations

The strike is being carried out by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, representing approximately 240 employees statewide. These workers include pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Picketing activity will be limited to Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center on Oʻahu; no picketing is currently planned for Maui facilities.

Kaiser Permanente has advised members not to cancel or reschedule appointments unless directly contacted, as the provider is proactively rescheduling some nonurgent appointments and elective surgeries. The company states it has “robust plans” to maintain care continuity, utilizing physicians, managers, and trained staff, supplemented by licensed contract workers as needed.

Expert Insight: Labor disputes in healthcare often center on balancing patient access with the needs of the workforce. Disruptions to pharmacy services, while potentially inconvenient, highlight the critical role pharmacists play in the healthcare system and the potential consequences of staffing challenges.

The strike follows stalled contract negotiations. Kaiser Permanente recently publicized a proposed wage increase of 21.5% over the life of a new contract. However, the union maintains the strike is necessary to address concerns regarding staffing shortages and patient care standards. Further information on the union’s position can be found here and here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What impact will the strike have on my scheduled appointment?

Kaiser Permanente advises members not to cancel or reschedule appointments unless contacted directly. The provider is proactively rescheduling some nonurgent appointments and elective surgeries.

Where can I get assistance with urgent prescriptions if my local pharmacy is closed?

Members can call the pharmacy care team at 808-643-7979 and press 3 to reach assistance with new and urgent prescriptions.

Will Maui Memorial Medical Center or Kula Hospital be affected by the strike?

No, Kaiser Permanente states the strike will not affect operations at Maui Memorial Medical Center or Kula Hospital, as they are operated by Maui Health and staffed by workers under different union contracts.

As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid. It is possible that the strike could be resolved quickly, or it could continue for an extended period, potentially leading to further disruptions in healthcare services.