Maui's biggest elder-care nonprofit, Hale Makua, turned 80 and is pushing ahead with a large health care and housing expansion, good news for the island's seniors, patients, and workers short on housing.

• Hale Makua started in 1946 as a home for elderly people with no one to care for them and no money to pay for care.
• It has grown into one of Maui's largest private employers, with over 450 staff caring for more than 1,500 people a year, from seniors to patients recovering from surgery.
• A $160 million health care complex is moving forward, with an outpatient surgery center, a new rehab center, and more specialty care to meet the island's growing health needs.
• The plan also includes an affordable housing project, now grown to 288 units, set aside for health care workers, teachers, seniors, and Lahaina fire survivors.
• Staff marked the milestone with a week of celebrations at the Kahului and Wailuku facilities, including a Disney-themed event for residents.

Outlook: Hale Makua hopes to break ground on the new complex and housing project soon, adding badly needed care capacity and homes on Maui.