The proposed West Maui Hospital and Medical Center on Wednesday received its third and final recommendation for approval, the Maui News reported.

The state Certificate of Need Review Panel voted 6-0 to endorse the project.

Newport Hospital Corp. plans to build a 25-bed acute-care facility and a 40-bed skilled nursing home on 14.9 acres neighboring the Lahaina Civic Center.

"I'm floating," said West Maui Improvement Foundation president Joe Pluta. "Triumph of hope over adversity — that's what this is."

The foundation and West Maui Taxpayers Association have been supporters of the project.

All that remains is a final decision by state Health Planning and Development Agency Administrator Ronald Terry. State law requires a decision by early May, which is within 90 days of when the application was deemed complete and ready for review.