PUHI — Vittoria Marconi of Delaware said it was nice working in a different place Monday.
“This is the first time I’ve been to Hawai‘i,” said the specialist manning the registration desk at the Tropic Care Kaua‘i clinic at Kaua‘i Community College.
“This is such a beautiful place, and the people are very nice. I’ve been to another Tropic Care, although they call it IRT in Dover, Delaware.”
Marconi is one of about 250 military medical professionals that form Tropic Care Kaua‘i 2022, a U.S. Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training program. Lines of people greeted them Monday morning at the KCC clinic.
“I got here about 7:15 in the morning, and there were 32 other people ahead of me,” said Henoheno Valeria. “But these military people are so nice. I had a tooth extracted, and I’m definitely coming back before this ends to get my teeth cleaned.”
The clinics at KCC, Kapa‘a Middle School and ‘Ele‘ele School are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until June 20 for medical attention in general physical examinations, eye examinations and dental health, including exams, fillings and extractions. On June 19 and 20, the clinics will shut at noon.
A mobile clinic was also set up at Kilauea School that will be available until Wednesday with the same clinic hours. The mobile clinic will move to the Waimea East Seals facility on June 17, 18 and 20.
People have arrived with an array of ailments.
“My feet hurt,” said Arlene Yoshimori in response to the receptionist’s query. “My body aches and I just need to get checked out.”
Erlinda Valdez had just finished being checked out by an optometrist and received a referral for new prescription glasses.
“These are very good people,” Valdez said, getting an escort to help her exit the clinic with the proper forms and vouchers.
Capt. Dennis Sullivan, KCC officer in charge, said the goal is to take care of as many people as possible during the time they will be here.
“Everyone has been really nice and polite,” he said.
The Kaua‘i Bus is free for all riders through June 20.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
