State-owned Big Island hospitals will reduce services, lay off 87 employees

State-owned hospitals serving the east side of the Big Island will lay off 87 employees, close some programs and reduce services due to a projected $7 million deficit in the fiscal year beginning July 1, the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. announced Tuesday. The cutbacks will affect Hilo Medical Center, Kau Hospital and Hale Hoola Hamakua, members of the HHSC East Hawaii Region. Among the closings will be Home Care Services, which provides chronic and transitional care for homebound patients. One wing…