Map showing the location of LIFE CARE CENTER OF HILO in HILO, Hawaii
944 WEST KAWAILANI STREET, HILO, HI, 96720

Overall Score

CMS Five-Star Quality Rating
3/5AverageCMS Five-Star overall rating
  1. Much below average
  2. Below average
  3. Average
  4. Above average
  5. Much above average

Where it ranks

  • HawaiiAbove only 23% of peers41 rated homes · average 3.6★
  • Hawaii CountyLowest tier among peers7 rated homes · average 3.4★
  • United StatesAbove only 41% of peers14,574 rated homes · average 3.0★

How the rating is built

  • Health inspectionsStarting point2★−1.0 vs HI avg
  • StaffingCan add or remove a star4★−0.1 vs HI avg
  • Quality measuresCan add or remove a star5★+0.6 vs HI avg

CMS starts from the health inspection stars, then adds or subtracts a star for staffing and for quality measures. Stars are assigned relative to other facilities in the same state.

  • Standard inspection overdueThe most recent standard health inspection is older than CMS expects, so the health inspection rating may not reflect current conditions.

Ratings & measures

Tap a row to see what it means
Health inspection ratingCMS stars from the last three on-site inspection cycles2★Above only 13% of peersHI avg3.0★U.S. avg2.8★
What is health inspection rating?

Stars assigned from the last three standard surveys and every complaint investigation in that window, weighted toward the most recent and the most serious findings. CMS assigns these stars relative to other facilities in the same state.

Why it matters

It carries the most weight in the overall rating and is the only domain based on what trained inspectors saw on site rather than what the facility reported.

Staffing ratingCMS stars from payroll-reported hours and turnover4★Above only 21% of peersHI avg4.1★U.S. avg2.9★
What is staffing rating?

Nurse and aide hours per resident day from payroll records CMS collects every quarter, adjusted for how much care residents need, plus staff turnover and weekend coverage.

Why it matters

More hours and lower turnover are the strongest predictors of fewer falls, pressure sores, and avoidable hospital stays.

Quality measures ratingCMS stars from clinical outcomes and resident assessments5★Above only 48% of peersHI avg4.4★U.S. avg3.6★
What is quality measures rating?

Clinical outcomes from resident assessments and Medicare claims: falls with injury, pressure ulcers, hospitalizations, antipsychotic use, and more, for both short-stay and long-stay residents.

Why it matters

It shows whether care is working, but part of it comes from the facility’s own assessments, so read it alongside the inspection results.

Total nurse hoursPer resident per day, all nursing staff3.65hrsAbove only 15% of peersHI avg4.70Benchmark4.10
What is total nurse hours?

All licensed nurse and aide hours worked, divided by the number of residents, on an average day. Reported from payroll, not self-reported.

Why it matters

Federal research links 4.1 hours a day to fewer avoidable harms. Below about 3 hours, residents wait longer for help with basics like toileting and repositioning.

RN hoursPer resident per day, registered nurses only0.98hrsAbove only 8% of peersHI avg1.63Benchmark0.75
What is rn hours?

Registered nurse hours only. RNs assess residents, manage medications, and catch changes in condition; LPNs and aides deliver most hands-on care.

Why it matters

RN coverage is the staffing measure most tied to fewer hospital transfers and infections, and it is where thinly staffed facilities cut first.

Nursing staff turnoverShare of nursing staff who left within a year · lower is better33%Above only 49% of peersHI avg37%RN turnover26%
What is nursing staff turnover?

The share of nursing staff who left within the past year, from the same payroll data.

Why it matters

High turnover means residents are cared for by people who do not know them, and it is one of the strongest predictors of inspection problems.

Fines in the last three yearsCivil money penalties imposed by CMS · lower is better$0Above 61% of peersHI avg$21,335Fines · denials0 · 0
What is fines in the last three years?

Civil money penalties CMS imposed after serious or uncorrected deficiencies, and denials of Medicare payment for new admissions.

Why it matters

Penalties follow the worst inspection findings. A recent fine is the clearest sign that inspectors found real harm.

Inspection history

Last three inspection cycles
40citations
5inspection dates
0actual harm (G–I)
0immediate jeopardy (J–L)
May 1, 2025most recent

Citations by monthOct 2021 – May 2025

  • No actual harm (D–F)
  • Actual harm (G–I)
  • Immediate jeopardy (J–L)
  • $Fine or payment denial

Click a month or a year to filter the findings below. Arrow keys move between months; Esc clears.

May 1, 20251 citationCycle 1worst D · no actual harm
  1. F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected May 1, 2025
Dec 1, 202310 citationsCycle 1worst E · no actual harm
  1. F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  2. F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  3. F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Nursing and Physician ServicesE · patternCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  4. F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  5. F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  6. F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Nutrition and DietaryD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  7. Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  8. F847Inform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  9. F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
  10. F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jan 15, 2024
May 22, 20232 citationsCycle 3worst F · no actual harm
  1. F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Infection ControlF · widespreadCorrected Jun 21, 2023
  2. F887Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.Infection ControlE · patternCorrected Jun 21, 2023
Nov 18, 202224 citationsCycle 2worst E · no actual harm
  1. F679Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.Quality of Life and CareE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  2. F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and CareE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  3. F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Nursing and Physician ServicesE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  4. F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Nursing and Physician ServicesE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  5. F744Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  6. F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Pharmacy ServiceE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  7. F790Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  8. F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Nutrition and DietaryE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  9. F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  10. F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Infection ControlD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  11. F920Provide at least one room set aside to use as a resident dining room and for activities, that is a good size, with good lighting, air flow and furniture.EnvironmentalD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  12. F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  13. Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  14. F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  15. F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  16. F575Post a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all pertinent State agencies and advocacy groups and a statement that the resident may file a complaint with the State Survey Agency.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  17. F578Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  18. F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  19. F585Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  20. F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  21. F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  22. F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedResident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  23. F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningE · patternCorrected Jan 2, 2023
  24. F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jan 2, 2023
Oct 26, 20213 citationsCycle 3worst D · no actual harm
  1. F557Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.Resident RightsC · widespreadCorrected Nov 16, 2021
  2. F688Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Nov 16, 2021
  3. F758Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Nov 16, 2021

Staffing

From quarterly payroll reports

Hours per resident per day

  • All nursing staffRNs, LPNs and aides combined3.65hrsAbove only 15% of peers−1.05 vs HI avg
  • Registered nursesRN hours only0.98hrsAbove only 8% of peers−0.65 vs HI avg
  • Licensed practical nursesLPN hours0.48hrs
  • Nurse aidesCNA hours2.19hrs
  • Weekend nursingAll staff on Saturdays and Sundays3.30hrs
  • Hawaii average
  • Research benchmark (4.10 total, 0.75 RN)

Turnover & capacity

  • Nursing staff turnoverShare who left within a year · lower is better33%Above only 49% of peersHI avg 37%
  • RN turnoverRegistered nurses only26%Not ranked by CMS
  • Administrators who leftIn the past year0Stable leadership
  • Occupancy252 certified beds · ~220 residents a day87%Above 54% of peersHI avg 82%

Fines & penalties

Roughly the past three years

Enforcement summary

  • $0In fines
  • 0Fines
  • 0Payment denials
  • $21,335HI avg in fines
Above 61% of peersFewer fines than 61% of rated homes in Hawaii

Actions on record

No fines or payment denialsNothing on record in the current reporting window. Hawaii facilities average 0.7 penalties.

Ownership

As filed with CMS

Structure

Ownership type
For profit - Corporation
Chain
Life Care Centers of America194 facilities in the chain3.4★ chain average
Certification
Medicare and Medicaid
Location type
Rural
Ownership change
None in the last 12 months

People and entities on file

Direct owners (5%+)
  • Sak Jr LLC
  • Sbk LLC
Indirect owners (5%+)
  • Stiles Kellett
General Partnership Interest
  • Sak Jr LLC
  • Sbk LLC
Operational or managerial control
  • Life Care Centers of America, INC.
Managing employees
  • Lemapu Lemanua

Person Organization

Sources & notes

Public data, updated quarterly

Data sources

  • CMS Care Compare · Provider InformationStar ratings, staffing hours, turnover, penalties and flags · processed February 2026.
  • CMS Health CitationsEvery deficiency from the last three inspection cycles, with scope, severity and inspection cycle.
  • CMS Penalties and Ownership filesCivil money penalties, payment denials, and the owners and managers on file.

Notes

  • CMS Certification Number 125040 · 944 WEST KAWAILANI STREET, HILO, HI, 96720.
  • Percentiles compare this facility with every rated nursing home in Hawaii and Hawaii County. Turnover and fines are inverted so a high percentile is always good.
  • This is an informational summary of public data, not medical, legal, or placement advice. Facilities cannot pay to change it; a facility that believes a record is wrong can dispute it with CMS.

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