Gov. David Y. Ige, the Maui Regional Board and the corporate board of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation on Thursday signed an agreement that transfers operation and management of several Maui area health care facilities from the state to Kaiser Permanente.

The state and Kaiser, says the administration, now begin negotiations for the lease of the real property and facilities, something they expect to close on by June 30.

Kaiser will operate the hospitals beginning July 1.

“This agreement ensures quality healthcare services and improved delivery of those services for the Maui region,” said Ige in a press release. “The governance structure assures a continued role for the Maui community in the governance of the facilities, and revenues generated in the Maui region facilities will be invested back into those facilities.”

“This is a transformational opportunity, and the board’s decision ensures the sustainability of a comprehensive healthcare delivery system for the people of Maui and Lanai,” said Avery Chumbley, chair of the Maui Region Hawaii Board of Directors. “The Maui board’s decision to select Kaiser Permanente was based upon their willingness to work collaboratively with our physicians and staff to provide compassionate, quality healthcare.”

State senators from Maui applauded the agreement.

“Establishing this partnership will make certain that residents continue to receive the quality health care they deserve and that health service providers will be retained,” said Senate Majority Leader Kalani English. “It’s reassuring that the agreement recognizes the special roles Lanai Community Hospital and Kula Hospital have in their communities and I hope to see improved health care services for these areas as well.”